Delbert Bruce

Hastings resident, Delbert Eldon Bruce, 91, passed away Thursday, April 3, 2014 at his home.

Services will be Monday, April 7, 2014; 10:30 A.M. at Grace United Methodist Church, Hastings with Pastors Cindy Karges and Rev. Dr. Lee R. Wigert officiating . Burial with military rites by Hastings Veterans Organizations will be in Parkview Cemetery,Hastings. Visitation will be Sunday, April 6, 2014; 1:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to service at the church. Memorials may be given to Grace United Methodist Church or Mary Lanning Hospice.

Delbert was born September 5, 1922 on a farm near Blue Hill, Nebraska in Webster County to Frank Earl and Ruth Irene (Sansom) Bruce, the third of four children. The family then moved to the Wilcox, Nebraska area where he helped farm in his younger years. He graduated from Wilcox High School in 1941.

After helping build the Naval Ammunition Depot, he was inducted into the United States Army on March 21, 1945 where he served in Okinawa and Tokyo, Japan. He was honorably discharged on November 28, 1946. Delbert was awarded three medals: the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal.

On November 14, 1948, Delbert was united in marriage to Viola Delores Wahl at the Evangelical Free Church in Holdrege, Nebraska where they resided until 1950 when they moved to Hastings, Nebraska where they continue to reside. They enjoyed sixty-five years of marriage. To this holy union, three children were born: Gary Wayne, Virginia Susan and MaryAnn Ruth. Delbert returned to the Naval Ammunition Depot until he began at the Hastings Department of Utilities from which he retired after twenty-five years of service on March 17, 1985. Delbert was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church and the Christian Builders Sunday School class.

Delbert was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and spouses: LaVern & Evelyn Bruce, Althea & Don Corkill, Alba & Esther Bruce.

Survivors include:
Wife of 65 years:
Viola "Vi" Bruce
Son & Daughter-in-law:
Gary and Kathy Bruce
Daughters & Son-in-law:
Virginia Susan Smith
MaryAnn & Tim Stokes
Grandchildren:
Jared Bruce
Rachel Bruce
Chelsea Smith (Joe)
Jesse Smith (Ashley)
Megan Smith
Gaby Stokes
Mattie Stokes
Great-Grandsons:
Twins-Anthony & Aaron
Alexander
Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends