Bruce A. Emerick passed away May 10, 2022, at the age of 69 in his hometown of Plymouth, Indiana. His long and courageous battle with serious medical issues in recent years demonstrated his enduring strength, grit, determination and compassion.
Growing up the oldest of three boys in Kendallville, Indiana, Bruce spent his free time racing dirt bikes and rehabbing vintage cars. He had a basement full of trophies from his many successful bike races. Bruce proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the final years of the Vietnam War as a track wheeled mechanic serving as a Specialist 4 with the 1st Armored Division, 6th Infantry. After being honorably discharged, Bruce obtained a tech degree from ITT Fort Wayne.
Bruce met his soulmate Chris on a blind date and they were married in Avilla, Indiana, after a short courtship. He passed away a few weeks before their 46th anniversary. Bruce and Chris have two children and raised their family in the Argos/Plymouth area.
Following his time in the Army, Bruce accepted a position with United Telephone Company where he remained, through several acquisitions and name changes, for 39 ½ years before retiring. Bruce believed in giving back to his community. He was a twenty-eight-year active member of the Argos Lions Club and served in a variety of officer positions for the organization, including president. Bruce also put his handyman skills to use with Habitat for Humanity of Marshall County where he assisted with and supervised the building of many homes in addition to serving as a board member.
Bruce is survived by his wife Chris, son Tim (Jenny), daughter Jodie, grandchildren Bryce and Ashlyn, brothers Earl (Nancy) and Brent (Dolly), brothers-in-law Mike (Sara) Ley, Jim Ley, Steve (Shar) Ley, Pat (Cathy) Ley, sisters-in-law Denise (Jerry) Fanger, Laura Rudd, Sharon (Mike) Kacprowicz, Nancy (Tom) Reinhardt, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Deke and Joanne, his mother-in-law and father-in-law Victor and Ursula Ley, and brother-in-law Ken Rudd.
In his later years, Bruce’s best times were spent with his family, particularly his grandchildren. Together they were able to accomplish the items on his bucket list and make many lasting memories.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2022 from 3-7 pm at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 11:30 am at the funeral home with Chaplain Wyatt Smith officiating. Military honors will be rendered with the U.S. Army Honor Guard.
Please click the link below to view the recording of the memorial service:
Bruce Emerick Memorial Service
A private interment will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Marshall County Habitat for Humanity, 116 S Walnut St, Plymouth, IN 46563, the American Cancer Society, 5635 W 96th St Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46278 or to the choice of the donor.
Bruce’s family would like to thank their many friends and family for the love and support they have shown, particularly during Bruce’s medical battles. We are very blessed.
Joseph Serovy says
Sorry to hear of the passing of Bruce. Prayer for Chris , Tim, Jodie and all the family members. I considered Bruce to be a good friend, coworker and Boss at Centurylink. Knew Bruce my whole career He will be missed. May he Rest In Peace. Joe Serovy
Kathy Taylor says
God is getting one of the best back.
So many fond memories with Chris/Bruce as well as “wild child” Tim and the “ artist “ Jodie. ( Tim could not sit still at all and Miss Jodie opened one of my antique furniture bins and colored it)
Love to all
Bill Sanner says
Chris
So sorry for your loss. What a great guy. He will be missed.
Bill & Lynda Sanner
Donna Taber Whitmer says
Dear Chris & Family
Sincere sympathy to you at this sad time. You will remain in my thoughts..
Kathy and George Reents says
Thoughts and prayers to your family. We had some good times with Chris and Bruce when we lived in Argos. Bruce will be missed by all.
Prucinsky Ann M says
I’m so sorry Chris and family. It’s a hard road, but with the love of God and of your family, you all will be ok.
Love , Ann Prucinsky
Susie (Alig) Smith says
I am very sorry for your loss. I remember Bruce from when I started and he was the engineer at Portland, (Bruce and Chris living just down the road from where I grew up at) then later when he moved to Plymouth and was my supervisor. He was one of the few Great Ones.
Deborah A Kozuch says
So sorry to read about Bruce’s passing. He was a friend of my husband, and Joe thought alot of him. Prayers for Chris and the family.0
George and Cathy Null says
So sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing…know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this sorrowful time! Bruce was definitely a good man and we have some fond memories to remind us of him.
Cindy Flagg says
My heart is hurting for all of you! Bruce was a fine, caring, kind, loving, and giving man! He was a true friend! He was so helpful and loving toward me and my family through the years!!! My prayers are with his family and friends! GOD be with you all until you see Bruce once again in Heaven!!!
❤️
Linda Musall says
Chris and family. This is Linda (King) Musall from East Noble HS. Bruce, Bob, Carson, Brenda and I were quite the gang in high school. You used to come to my parents on Christmas back in the day. It has been a long, long time but I have thought of you often. I’m sorry for your loss and the pain the past few years may have been. I cannot make it to the funeral home but my prayers are with you. I know the Lord will comfort you. Love, Linda
Larry Holbrook says
I went to school with him in Kendallville. A very good guy. Condolences to the family.
Ed Barcus says
Chris, Tim, Jodie and family,
Please accept my most sincere sympathy. Bruce was a giant of all sorts but a gentle one. I will never forget how friendly, kind and genuine he was. I always enjoyed talking to him and catching up every chance I got. Please know that it was a true pleasure and an honor to refer to him as a friend. Bruce will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him. May you find peace and comfort in the millions of great memories you have.
Dave& Rachel Lash says
Chris so sorry to hear about Bruce. Sending prayers for you & your family. Dave & Rachel Lash
Jackie Long says
Chris & family so sorry for your loss. My love & prayers to all. Jackie
Barbara Rogers Stahl says
My sympathy to Bruce’s family.
I remember when, years ago………
Bruce’s family and our family were neighbors …. (a country mile plus away). We attended Wayne Center Elementary School. Bruce was my brother, Phil’s best friend. One summer when Bruce was over visiting Phil, they taught me how to ride a two-wheeler bicycle.
Bruce was also a New York Yankees fan. He influenced me to become a fan also.
Donna (Anderson) Price says
Chris,
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Will keep you in my prayers. Sounds like you guys had a wonderful marriage. May you memories help you and your children get thru your loss. Thinking of you always
Mike Wolford says
Chris
So sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing
My wife Pat and i worked with Bruce here in Plymouth for many years. He was a good man and a true gentleman!
Mark and Rosalie Day says
Dear Chris,
We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your entire family after the loss of your beloved husband Bruce. You are in our prayers. We ask God to give you comfort and strength. May His peace enfold you now and in the coming months.
Mark and Rosalie Day
Janet Fifer says
I was so sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. He was such a good and kind man. He was my boss and I can’t think of a kinder man. He was wonderful!! Always had a smile on his face and never ever put anyone down. Always had a good word to say about anyone. I remember traveling to Kansas City with him and we counted the hawks sitting along the roadside waiting for a meal!!!
I’m sure you know he’s around, he was that type of person. I get pennies from Larry and I know he’s around!! I’ll smell his cologne, or I’ll hear one of his favorite songs when I’m at a low point!! Or one day I was driving his 1989 IROC-Z and one of his favorite songs came on…..said Hello Darling!!!!! Oh he was there alright!!!!
I know that all of you are missing him and there will always be that empty chair at your table. Time will ease the pain, but there will always be a hole in your heart….. . Until you get to see him again. Won’t that be a joyous day!!! He wouldn’t want you to miss him, remember all the good times and all the laughter and may it brighten your days in the coming months. Prayers being said for you and your family.
It’s never good-bye…………….it’s SEE YA LATER!!!
Ellen-Marie Anderson says
To the Emerick family. So sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed.
Ellen
Pam Taiclet- Rarick says
Thoughts, prayers & friendship to Chris and family. Bruce had a passion for life, laughter and love of for his family.
Love and memories,
Dot Taiclet and family
Maher and Rima Abu-Hamdan says
So sorry about your family’s loss. He was a wonderful person.
Jeff Martin says
So sorry to see this. Chris Jody and Tim , thoughts and prayers are with you from my family to yours. Great cousin, a guy I thought highly of and looked up to. And not just because he was taller than me. Again sorry for your loss. Cousin Jeff martin
Rex and Nancy says
Chris, Jody, and Tim, Bruce fought the hard fight and never complained to us. It’s been several hard years for you all .Please know Bruce will never be forgotten. I thank you for the memories. May God sustain you in the following days. Remember he is with the Lord and you will join him soon.