Benjamin F. Bruce

Ben F. Bruce, 93, passed away on March 16, 2014 in Golden Living Center, Bloomington, IN. He was born and raised in Bloomington to the late Benjamin and Arie(Nilson)Bruce on July 29, 1920. Ben was the sixth son of twelve children. He graduated from Bloomington High School and went on to study at Indiana University. His studies were ended abruptly with his enlistment in the US Army during WWII. Ben was in the infantry and was part of the occupying forces when the war was over. He was honorably discharged as Major Ben Bruce. He came back home to his wife Marie Chambers Bruce and his two beautiful daughters, Terri and Suzy. He later became a father once again when his son Joseph Paul was born. Ben’s love of golf led him to become a golfing instructor at I.U. and later became the teacher for the senior golf games. He also loved to fish and had many stories to tell about both of his great loves, golfing and fishing. His brothers always said to Ben “those that can do (golf and fishing) and those that can’t, teach!” Ben loved to tell jokes and was an excellent story teller. He did what most people dream of. Ben is survived by his two daughters: Suzann(husband Ron)Fretz of Center Point, IN and Terri Bruce of Kalamazoo, MI and his son Joseph Paul Bruce of Tucson, AZ., two grandchildren: Terri Fretz and Joe Fretz, two great grandchildren: Austin Fretz and Corbin Fretz, his brother: Rex Bruce and one sister: Nellie Long. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 50 years: Marie Chambers and his second wife of 4 years: Betty Hall. He was also preceded in death by 2 sisters and 7 brothers. Visitation will begin Tuesday, March 18, 2014 from 4-8 p.m. in Deremiah-Frye Mortuary, 700 W. Gourley Pike, Bloomington, IN 47404. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at 1 p.m. also in the funeral home. The burial will take place in Valhalla Memory Gardens with the Monroe County Veterans Honor Guard performing military rites. Online condolences may be given to the family at www.DeremiahFryeMortuary.com.