Susan J. Bruce

Longtime resident, Susan J. Bruce age 86 died peacefully on July 16, 2023.  A stalwart of the community, she served on the Eau Claire Public Library Foundation Board of Directors and raised funds for the “Secret Garden” sculpture that sits outside the downtown branch.  She was active in her church, First Congregational, and participated in a variety of social groups. 

Susan loved Eau Claire and getting to know its residents and visitors.  She noted regularly that the variety of people in Eau Claire created the spice in her life.

She is preceded in death by her father, John Vankat; mother, Betty Vankat; husband, Bob Bruce; and two sisters, Betsy Rice and Nancy Vankat.  She is survived by her brother, John Vankat and his wife, Betty Huffman, and her two children, Craig Bruce and Carrie Hodges as well as many grandchildren, a great-grandchild, nieces and nephews and great-grand nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will take place at 1 pm on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ of Eau Claire, 310 Broadway St, Eau Claire, WI 54703 with the Rev. Dr. Mark X. Pirazzini officiating. There will be no visitation at the church prior to the service. Inurnment will take place in the church memorial garden.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire assisted the family with the arrangements.   

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