John M. ''Mer'' Bruce

John M. ''Mer'' Bruce, 77, of Springfield, died at 2:15 p.m. Sunday January 21st, 2001 at St. John's Hospice in Springfield. He was born January 14th, 1924 in Keensburg, Illinois, the son of Milburn & Mary Elma Williams Bruce. He married Elaine M. Dixon October 20th, 1951 in Springfield at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. She preceded him in death 1997. Mr. Bruce had been a salesman for Archway Cookie Company and he retired in 1971. He was a resident of Springfield most of his life and he was a member of Church of the Little Flower, Knights of Columbus Council #4179, Navy Club, and the Sangamon County Stroke Support Group. He had attended the University of Illinois and was a United States Coast Guard Veteran. Also preceding him in death was his parents; a son-Robert Dixon Bruce in 1973; and two sisters- Mary Eleanor Leslie and Cathryn Louise Mormile. Surviving are his sons- Mike (wife-Kathy) Bruce of Springfield, Richard Bruce of Riverton, Jim (wife-Vickie) Bruce of Springfield, Joe Bruce of Springfield, and William (wife-Kris) Bruce of Virden; Daughters- Carol (husband-Frank) Kulavic of Springfield, Pat (husband-Michael) Hurley of Springfield, Susan Bruce of Springfield, Janet (husband-Richard) Patterson of Spaulding, Shirley (husband-William) Mills of Springfield, and Joanie (husband-Eric) McMillan of Springfield; 23 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; a sister- Helen Wagner of Evansville, IN; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation will be from 4-8:00 p.m. Tuesday January 23rd, 2001 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 South 6th Street in Springfield. Funeral Mass will be at a time to be announced on Wednesday January 24th, 2001 at Church of the Little Flower, the Rev. Henry Schmidt celebrant. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to: Sangamon County Stroke Support Group or Home Hospice of Illinois-C/O Visiting Nurses Association of Central Illinois, 720 North Bond, Springfield, IL 62702.