Bruce Voorhees

He was born on April 10, 1934, in Fairview, IL, the son of James F. and Bertha Voorhees. Bruce married Maxine Orme on October 26, 1957, at West Side Christian Church in Springfield.

Bruce graduated from Springfield High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, spending one year in San Francisco as a specialist in engineering and cartography. He earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Illinois. Bruce went on to work for the State of Illinois as a civil engineer. He was a member and elder at West Side Christian Church, where he taught Sunday School to middle school boys. He was also a longtime Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts of America. Bruce enjoyed living out his Christian faith by mentoring and investing time in the younger generation. He also enjoyed physical fitness activities, the outdoors (especially camping and canoeing), listening to jazz music, traveling, wood carving and leather work, and was an avid tea drinker.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Voorhees; and sister, Susan Zick.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Maxine Voorhees of Springfield. Bruce loved his family: sons, Mark and Derek (Nell) Voorhees, both of Springfield; grandchildren, Dane (Shelby), Dylan (Kristen) and Kaylee Voorhees; great-grandchildren, Louis, Tyler, Weston, and Miley Voorhees; sister, Martha (Frank) Schou of Springfield; sister-in-law, Carol Voorhees of Springfield; brother-in-law, Al Zick of South Barrington, IL; and several nephews.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

The family will host a Celebration of Life on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at West Side Christian Church, 2850 Cider Mill Ln., Springfield. Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 6:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to: West Side Christian Church.

The family is being served by Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 S. Grand Ave. W., Springfield.