Bruce Jack Boersma
On September 29, 1939, when the world was darkening, he was born as a bright ray of light to Sam and Jacoba (nee Norman) Boersma. Brother to a large crew including Martha, Donald, Gilbert, Katherine, Sam, David and Robert, father to Elizabeth, Brian (Janne), Brenda (Matthew Maland) and Bradley (Christi), beloved Uncle to an amazing group of nieces and nephews and grandfather to his greatest joys… Brandon, Brady, Emerson, Tyler, McKinley and Sicily. Bruce was fortunate to enjoy the pleasure, companionship and a lifetime of love shared with Shirley (nee Thomas), aka “Flo” Bruce graduated Fenger High School as a member of the class of 1957 and was a United States Army veteran. He was a proud plumber by trade (whose family has over 123 consecutive years of Local UA 130 service) — creator and builder of many great works of functional art including laboratories and hospitals at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University among others where great discoveries and medical advancement were made possible. But Bruce was far more than a simple plumber, he was a poet, preacher and philosopher, among other roles, by passion and personality. A student of agriculture and cultivator of crops in his cherished garden, he fed souls with his dialogue and discourse of ideas big and small. While not quite completing post-secondary education, Bruce was one of the brightest, well-read teachers one could know. He was a master craftsman who could build or construct anything. Quick with a smile and slow to judge, he was a friend and mentor to countless people through the years. Bruce cared about his friends and neighbors over himself. He always selflessly gave back to the community, in particular the betterment of the natural environment through his conservation efforts with the Izaak Walton League. A humble man who lived a life of quiet strength and resilience through his love of friends and family – he taught us what truly matters in a life well lived. He will be missed but never forgotten. Visitation Tuesday 3-8 p.m. Funeral Wednesday 11:00 a.m. from Tews-Ryan Funeral Home, 18230 S Dixie Highway to St. Joseph Church (St. John Neumann Parish) Mass 11:45 a.m. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.
March 27, 2024 – 11:40am cst
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