Kenneth Bruce

Kenneth R. Bruce passed away at 80 yrs old, on April 23, 2025, in his home surrounded by his family and close friends. His battle of cancer for 21 years showed his courage and strong will he had in facing life challenges, his willingness to stay strong till the end.

He was a dedicated, hardworking, tough individual who never gave up on his dreams, and the love of others. He was born in Casper, Wyoming to Betty Cook and Donald Bruce, the oldest of his siblings. He joined the Army at the age of 18, and retired from the Army Reserves after 23 years. He met his first wife, Carol Maher, and had a daughter, Kimberly Bruce. They divorced and he had a son with Kathie Stewart, Kenneth Robert JR. He Moved to MN, met Victoria Row, who he married and had two more children, Tonya and Travis. He then divorced and moved to Portland OR where he worked for Tri-Met transit center as a city bus driver for his career and retired after 20 yrs. He was known for his witty sense of humor, always willing to lend a helping hand, and offer his words of wisdom.

He met his current wife and was married on June 14, 2000. Pan and Ken bought 5 acres of land in Yelm, Washington; they built their beautiful forever home. With the help of his son Travis, they spent many nights in the camper on the land while working on clearing the land and building the home. Something he was truly proud of.

He worked as a Range Instructor on Fort Lewis Army Base where he found his love of guns and reloading. He took great pride in mentoring others on the range, and teaching others how to reload in his favorite place, the garage.

He loved fishing and camping with his son Travis in his younger years. He enjoyed every chance he got to ride motorcycles and fishing with his brothers in MN. He loved calling and picking on his sisters. Most of all he loved every visit back to MN making memories with his daughters and grandchildren. He made several trips a year for cancer treatment at Mayo Clinic. "I love you mostest, no way, I beat you" was one of his favorites with Lyla and Grace. Each morning was a race to see who could say it first. He loved watching GunSmoke and the evening news before bed. You would not dare bother him when the news was on. He loved his jokes as he was telling jokes to the very end. What's the difference between an elephant and a rhino? el-if-I-know.

Kenneth is survived by his wife Pan Bruce; his daughters, Kimberly Bruce, Tonya (Rick) Nelson; his sons, Kenneth Robert Jr. (Cody) Bruce and William (Mari) Franklin; his brothers, Jim (Nicki) Bruce, Jerry (Lorri) Bruce, Joe Bruce, Berry (Judy) Selle, Jack (Cheryl) Selle; his sisters, Karen (John) Lorenz and Shelly Krohn; his grandchildren, Breanna (Tina) Heppel, Brian (Jamie) Bruce, Lyla and Grace Nelson, Ashlyn, Mason, Austyn, Hayden and Keldon Bruce, Skyler and Zoe Franklin; 6 Great Grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his son, Travis Bruce; his mother, Betty Koleff; and father, Donald Bruce; and sister, Sue Ketchum.

Ken will remain in the hearts of those that loved him. His witty sense of humor and knowledge of life will never be forgotten.

Fly high Dad

We love you mostest no way!

A Funeral Service will be held at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with a viewing beginning at 10:00 AM. Burial with Military Honors will follow the service at Oakwood Cemetery. A private family gathering will take place after the burial.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Bruce family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com