Bruce Ellen
April 01, 1930 - August 30, 2013
Obituary
ELLEN, Bruce Henry of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Saginaw, passed away on Friday, August 30, 2013 at his residence. He was 83 years old. Bruce H. Ellen was born on April 1, 1930 in Capac, Michigan to the late Henry and Mary (Gonda) Ellen. He married Dorothy Lumsden on February 28, 1953; she preceded him in death on May 24, 2007. He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard. Bruce was a long-time employee of Fullerton Tool Company; retiring in 1994 after many dedicated years of service. He was a member the Assembly of God faith. Bruce was a friend to everyone and loved to laugh. He enjoyed spending time at his cottage boating, deer hunting and fixing and building many things. Above all, Bruce loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; he truly treasured his family and the times they gathered together. Surviving are two sons and one daughter: Dennis Ellen of Bridgeport, Gary Ellen of Mesa, AZ, and Debbie (Dale) Meyer of Frankenmuth; three grandchildren: Brandon Ellen of Laingsburg, Derrick (Heidi) Meyer of Barryton, and Deanna (Rickie) Culler of Munger; two great grandchildren: Bianca Meyer and Kailyn Garchow; three sisters: Eva Bologna of Caseville, Virgina Gilman of Saginaw, and Betty Sigler of Clinton Township; one brother, Richard (Lydia) Allen of Saginaw, and one sister-in-law, Marlene Ellen of Saginaw. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three sisters and one brother: Alice Taratsas, Gladys McQueen, David Ellen and Mildred Ellen. FUNERAL: A Funeral Service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 13, 2013 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Rev. Richard Sayad will officiate. Burial will follow in Flint Memorial Park. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral home on Friday, September 13, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the American Cancer Society and Hospice of the Valley, 6063 E. Arbor Ave., Mesa, AZ 85206. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.
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Memories
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Michael Rick
Other •
The first time I saw Bruce was at First Assembly of God in Saginaw MI. He was playing a musical saw and it just flipped me out. I was 19 years old at the time (I'm 60 now). He was genuinely one of the nicest and most kind men that I have met.
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Linda
Other •
My precious, sweet Uncle Bruce - how much I will miss your smiling eyes and warm, contagious grin that would spread across your face whenever you saw a loved one or dear friend. You were my 'teddy bear' uncle that always welcomed me with open arms and a big, big, hug…oh, how I will miss that. You always showed interest in what I was doing and took the time to listen and ask questions - I knew you cared and that you loved me. You and Aunt Dorothy always showed up at birthday parties, graduation celebrations, weddings, funerals, etc., etc., and made time for all of us.
You are finally with our departed loved ones that rejoice in your home coming and know what heaven is all about - they wait for the rest of us. We will ache for you and miss your presence among us - our family will never be the same. But, because of your influence in my life and all the wonderful memories you have created throughout the years, you will never be further away than a thought and a heart beat. I love you and will miss you so much, sweet Uncle Bruce.
I am grateful to our Lord to have had you in my life,
Linda
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Gary Ellen
Other •
Thank you for your kind words. Gary
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Gary Ellen
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Mike it's been a lot of years but my Dad played the saw till his passing. Thanks for the memory of my Dad. Gary
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Jean Eddy Hofmann
Other •
Bruce was a vital part of my childhood-- part of church, but so much more than that. He reminded me of my own father. He let the whole bunch of us kids come over and make way too much noise at his house, having fun with Gary and Dennis. He always smiled and made us feel welcome and I think he loved every one of us. The thing is, it was the adults at that important time in my spiritual growth, the ones who showed love and acceptance, that gave me the same view of how God saw me. Bruce was part of that little circle of the important adults that molded me. I was naive to think I would never lose touch with the Bruce Ellen family because they were huge in my life. Just recently I found Bruce again and was so excited by my good fortune. And once again he made me feel important and accepted. I know that I will see him before too long in heaven, but what a blessing to exchange happy greetings with him once again on this earth! It also occurred to me that I could let his influence change me in more than just my spirit. I now have a violin bow and the saw is in the shed, and whether I accomplish the good sound or not, I know whose face I will be seeing as I give it a go. Very thankful for Bruce Ellen! Jean Eddy Hofmann
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Kathy Valasek
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My heartfelt sympathies to Gary and family. I will always remember that sparkle in his eyes, the warm bear hug, and the genuine gentle smile of Bruce. He's with his beloved Dorothy again and hopefully that, and warm memories of him, will comfort you all.
Kathy Valasek