Bruce Arno Duenkler, 72, breathed his last earthly air and his first fresh, heavenly air on Monday, February 1, 2021.
Bruce was born May 24, 1948, in Cleveland, Ohio to Arno Duenkler, Jr. and Dorothy Duenkler (Meek). Little sister, Cheryl, followed in October 1951. In Ohio, extended family lived close, so birthdays and holidays were great family affairs. Bruce was the “organizer” among the neighborhood children (there were 82 kids on one block). The self-proclaimed “King of the Pogo Stick” led the building of huge snow forts, week-long monopoly games, marathon bike rides, and long treks through local parks. Big changes occurred in 1962 when the family moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was then that the family took up camping. They traveled extensively throughout the West with Bruce, once again, organizing their trips. Maps and more maps were strewn on the floor to plan the trips and organize ways to explore the camping areas.
Bruce graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1966 and New Mexico State University in 1971 with a B.S. in Math Education. From there he taught Junior High math in Las Vegas, Nevada. In college and Las Vegas, he made friendships that lasted a lifetime.
In 1979, while on a camping trip with friends, Bruce discovered Helena, Montana. The next year, he moved to Helena. His parents soon followed. After working a few odd jobs, he began his career with the State of Montana as an investigator for the Licensing Board. The position required traveling to every corner of the state. He discovered almost every art gallery, candy store, wine shop, the number of hills between every town, and that the best restrooms were in the courthouses. After 30 years, Bruce retired.
Once retired Bruce thoroughly enjoyed travel, fine food, and sharing time with family and his many friends. He was a lifelong Lutheran and served the congregation of First Lutheran Church in many capacities. He made sure his family always had season tickets to the Helena Symphony. Bruce served as a great role model to his family and friends for love, understanding, compassion, and great faith in his Lord and Savior.
Bruce is predeceased by his parents, grandparents, and an aunt. He is survived by sister and brother-in-law Cheryl and Dennis Brown (Helena); uncle and aunt, Don and Mary Meek (Helena); nephews and their children, Jeff and Lisa Ovens, Kaleesi and Harrison (Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin), Jason and Danie Ovens, Caleb and Hannah (Billings); a much-loved friend Grace Burger (Helena); and many more friends from around the country.
Funeral services will be held February 16, 2021, Tuesday, 2 p.m., at First Lutheran Church, 2231 East Broadway in Helena. Pandemic restrictions will be observed. Cremains will be interred at Sunset Memorial Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
2:00 PM to 3:00pm
Tuesday February 16, 2021
First Lutheran Church
2231 East Broadway
Helena, MT
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
2:00 PM to 3:00pm
Tuesday February 16, 2021
First Lutheran Church
2231 East Broadway
Helena, MT
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Rick Elhart says
Our heart felt condolences to the family. Bruce was always constructive, positive and very caring. His passing was way too soon! We miss him already! No question he is with Jesus!
Blessings!
Rick and Susan Elhart
Laura Fix says
We had the pleasure of meeting Bruce while on a group trip to France. What a kind, wonderful, and fun gentleman. We are so saddened to hear of his passing. Our condolences to his Family and Friends. God’s speed to Bruce. Laura Fix and Bud Clinch
Mary Ann Gregory says
A wonderful Christian from our family at First Lutheran. He will be missed but we’ll see him again
Betty Brewer says
So sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Sending healing hugs and prayers to his family. He is in Heaven with Jesus and no longer in pain. May this comfort you knowing you will be reunited with him for eternity
Marjorie J O'Rourke says
I am so sorry to hear about Bruce. He will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Cheryl, Dennis and the entire family.
Andy Poole says
Bruce was a gracious, intelligent, and pleasant man. I knew Bruce through work for several years and he was one of the best.
Marcia Allen says
I am very saddened by Bruce’s passing. He was such a wonderful person and I have several fond memories of Bruce and even a few stories! He will be so missed.
LISA ADDINGTON says
Bruce is gone far to soon. I had the pleasure of working with him at the State for many years. Bruce was caring, compassionate, funny and trustworthy. He leaves a void in this world. May God bless him and all he leaves behind.
Joy Edgar says
I still have a hard time thinking that Bruce is now in heaven. He was such a personable, caring guy and he was so supportive of First Lutheran Church and the church family. He will be so missed. My heartfelt sympathy go out to his sister, Cheryl and the family.
Kris Vladic says
I had the pleasure of working with Bruce at the Department of Labor for many years. My fondest memories of Bruce included playing pinochle on every lunch hour for many years. Hope you are always a winner in heaven Bruce. My condolences to your family.
Sherri Anderson says
I had the honor of working with Bruce for many years at the Department of Labor and Industry. Bruce was always very kind. Bruce will be missed
Duane Westerbuhr says
So very thankful to have served with Bruce on many committees at First Lutheran. Bruce’s love for Jesus radiated from his soul to his heart to his smile.
An active, forgiven servant, loved by many, resting in his Heavenly Fathers arms! Prayers for comfort and grace to those left here on earth. For those here on earth ,choose your treasure with divine guidance. Thanks Jesus for sharing your blessings thru Bruce. Rest In Peace.
Dennis & Marilyn Clark says
We are so sorry to see Bruce has passed. We worked with him in state government for several years until his retirement. Bruce was always friendly, professional, kind, fun, and had a wry sense of humor. He was too young to be leaving this world but heaven, we’re sure, is enjoying his company. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Rick, Lori, Tyler, Jared, Abby Northrup says
The Sunday morning greetings from Bruce were always cheerful; he was everyone’s friend. But we know that our separation is only temporary! By faith in Jesus, we are saved. Bruce’s faith showed through in so many ways. We are blessed to have known him. Until we meet again good friend! God’s blessings to Cheryl and Dennis, family and friends. Bruce would want nothing more than those he knew, family, friends, co-workers to be part of God’s kingdom.
Sandy Matule says
Vince and I enjoyed the Super Bowl parties we attended at Bruce’s home years ago. I loved working with him and having him as my Secret Santa. I still have and wear the bracelet he gave me. I also enjoyed the work travel trips and stopping after our work was done at a wine store. I learned so much about wine from Bruce. He was a wonderful human being. The best smile ever!
Mary Lou Garrett says
Bruce was a special person, kind, funny and caring. Worked with Bruce for a long time, will miss him at Alive @ Five or running into him on his bicycle. He will be missed
Rod Ellingson says
Bruce’s passing on to his next life with Christ created a huge hole in my life. Have known Bruce for seemingly forever (actually, since 1966 when we both ended up going to the local Lutheran Church in Las Cruces, NM at the start of our times at NMSU). We were roommates from time to time there but kept in touch over the years, both via phone and in-person meetings from time to time. He was my best man at our wedding and was going to come to SoCal to celebrate our 50th last year when Covid hit. He delayed coming down and so, never got a chance to see him and pal around with him again. He will be missed by me (and apparently others). We will meet again….soon….
Lourdes Maloney says
so sad to hear of Bruce not being in our earthly presence Memorable times of him during our college years and our Thanksgiving weekend in New Haven and NY in 1970. Sadly we never reconnected..