Bruce Alan Schoenle

Bruce Alan Schoenle, 69, of Fort Wayne, Ind., passed away at home on September 11th, 2026. Bruce was a loving son, brother, and uncle, and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his brother Ron (Mary) Schoenle, and sister-in-law Krys Schoenle.

Bruce found great joy in his family. He loved his eight nieces and nephews, 18 great-nieces and nephews, and two great-great nieces and nephews, and he was the proud Godfather of three of them. He especially enjoyed being around the children and loved having his picture taken with them, including his beloved Godchildren.

Those who knew Bruce will remember his funny stories, quick wit, and joyful, unforgettable laugh. He often laughed as hard at himself and his own stories as anyone else did. Bruce was simply fun to be around, and his ability to find humor in everyday moments made time with him memorable.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome Jay and Marie B. Schoenle, of Fort Wayne; his sister, Linda Pitz, and her husband, Tom, of Indian Rocks Beach, Fla.; and his brother, Jerome D. Schoenle, of Fort Wayne.

Bruce attended St Hyacinth and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Catholic grade schools and then graduated from Bishop Luers High School in 1976. Bruce graduated from Indiana University in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in business. After college, Bruce moved to Birmingham, Ala. to work for Kraft Industries. He later returned to Fort Wayne to help care for his mother, working first at Allen Business Machines and later as a Culligan Man.

His love of Culligan became part of his everyday life—and, as his family and friends knew, part of his personality. He drove around with a “Hey Culligan Man!” license plate on the front of his car and had a Culligan shirt for every occasion: a T-shirt, a hooded sweatshirt, a polo, and an oxford. He delighted his great-nieces and nephews by giving them Culligan shirts, blankets, teddy bears and other gifts. It was a simple tradition that brought just as much joy to Bruce as it did to the children.

It was clear that Bruce loved his work and took great pride in it. He received several awards during his career and was named Salesman of the Month multiple times. Still, it is hard to say what Bruce loved more: selling Culligan water or his love of Culligan water itself. He often talked about the fun he had at work and the friendships he made along the way, first at Allen Business Machines and later at Culligan. He retired in 2024.

Those friendships remained an important part of Bruce’s life. He enjoyed many Saturday nights with his friends from Allen Business Machines at Komet hockey games and especially valued time with close friends the late Rick Waters, Rick Harris and Bob Ueber. Outside of work, Bruce loved going to the lake, fishing, riding his bike, working out at the gym, listening to music and watching action movies.

Bruce will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his generosity, his friendships and, fittingly for a Culligan Man, his appreciation for a quality bottle of water.

Bruce was loved dearly by his family and friends, and he will be missed.

A visitation will be held from 6:00pm - 8:00pm on Friday, September 18, 2026, at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Lakeside Park 1140 Lake Avenue (46805). A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 10:30am at the St. Jude's Catholic Church 2130 Pemberton Drive (46805) with visitation one hour prior to the Funeral Mass. Father Emmanuel Abuh will officiate.

Preferred memorials are to the Diocese of Fort Wayne - South Bend 915 S Clinton Street - Fort Wayne, IN 46802.

https://diocesefwsb.org/secretariat-for-stewardship-and-development/give

Fond memories of Bruce may be shared at www.mccombandsons.com for the family.