Bruce Alan Bunde, 76, of Lincoln succumbed to cancer on December 26, 2024. He was born in Hastings and spent part of his childhood in both Grand Island and Cozad, where he graduated from high school in 1966. Subsequently, he studied at and graduated from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, proudly serving in the Cornhusker Marching Band.
In 1971, Bruce was called to serve in the Army. While in basic training, he met three fellow draftees who would become lifelong friends (along with their eventual wives and children).
Following his service in the military, Bruce returned to Lincoln and earned his Masters degree at UNL, developing an interest in Greek, Roman, and Egyptian history that endured for the remainder of his life.
In 1978, he moved to Chicago and began a 30-year career with the Social Security Administration. There, he met and, in 1980, married Marge, the woman who would be by his side for nearly 45 years. Together, they were blessed with three children who were the pride and joy of Bruce’s life.
The family returned to Nebraska in 1985. Upon retirement in 2006, Bruce began his long and hard-fought battle with cancer. During his battle, Bruce was the recipient of two stem cell transplants and a transplanted kidney (thank you, Paula).
Throughout his life, Bruce was an avid reader, accumulating approximately 5000 mostly-nonfiction books encompassing history, music, politics, biographies, more history and, uncharacteristically, Perry Mason novels.
In addition to reading, Bruce enjoyed movies, music (yes, Ol’ Blue Eyes was a favorite), travel, green mint chocolate chip ice cream (believing it tasted mintier if it was green), OLLI classes, pickleball, his e-bike, the Huskers, researching family genealogy, and just being outdoors. He never lost his boyhood love for the family farm near Genoa, Nebraska.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Margaret, and children Marshall (Pia), Beth (Jared) Ray, and Ali (Shane) Winterbauer. His delight of the last three years has been his grandchildren Asher, Kinsey, and Tanner. Bruce is also survived by his siblings Lynette (Denis) Jensen, Brian, Kris (Steve) Rempe, Brad (Paula), and Brent (Deb); much loved nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who he considered to be part of his extended family.
A memorial service to honor Bruce’s life will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3850 Hohensee Drive and all whose lives he touched are invited to celebrate his life.
During his high school years in Cozad, Bruce had the opportunity to play “Taps” at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska, an experience he treasured. As a veteran, he will be laid to rest in that cemetery in a private family committal.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bruce’s memory to Nebraska Public Media, 1800 North 33rd Street, Lincoln, NE 68503.