David R. Bruck, 83, died at sunrise July 1, 2021, with his beloved wife at his side. He was at peace in mind and spirit after a six-day illness.
David was born David Ralph Bruckelmeyer on February 11, 1938, the third son of Catherine (O’Brien) and Frederick Lynn Bruckelmeyer III in Minneapolis, MN. Daves’s father was in the U.S. Navy during WWII and had to hand-stencil his entire name on all his uniforms. The first chance he got he changed his name to Fred L. Bruck. And Dave spent the rest of his life explaining, it’s spelled like “truck” with a “B.”
The family moved to Billings, Montana, when Dave was nine. He was enthralled with being a cowboy so his mother bought him an ornery old nag named Sally. To hear Dave tell it, that horse bit, kicked, and threw him off so many times he was done with Sally, and Dave’s dream of being a real cowboy ended rather quickly.
Dave moved to Bozeman his junior year of high school and knew he had found his home. After graduation he attended college at MSU, then did a stint at Eastern in Billings. At some point he decided that he wasn’t necessarily the studious type, so he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. While stationed at Alameda Naval Air Station in San Francisco, he met and married Joy Weisgerber.
After being discharged, he and Joy headed back to Montana. They lived in Bozeman for several years while Dave explored career options. He had been working in the insurance business for some time when he was offered a position in an insurance agency in Helena. After a time, Dave bought controlling interest of the agency and named it Montana International Insurance (MII), a name properly reflecting Dave’s high aspirations.
Dave and Joy had three children: Bruce David, Todd Michael, and Lynn Renee. The family enjoyed many trips skiing in the winter and waterskiing in the summer. All the kids were involved in sports during high school and Dave attended virtually every football and basketball game and drill team performance, including out-of-town games. He and Joy went their separate ways when the children were grown.
With Dave hiring good men and women, MII quickly grew to one of the largest independent agencies in the state. Dave was very involved with the Independent Insurance Agencies of Montana, eventually serving as president of IIAM. One of his pet projects was education, and Dave was hired at Carroll College to teach Risk Management and Insurance. He taught as an adjunct professor for about six years until a new college president discovered he didn’t have the necessary teaching credentials. After teaching at Carroll, Dave took great pride in mentoring many of the young men and women from his classes. Even while he was in the hospital, he was sharing information and giving his opinion when visitors stopped by. Dave sold MII in 1985 and retired, only to join the firm of Anna Co. investments, where he served as vice-president of marketing. He was with the firm for 25 years.
Dave met Gaynell Whealon through the insurance industry. After asking her out, twice, she agreed to a date. Theirs was a fun and exciting courtship, and after asking her to marry him, twice, she said yes, and they were married June 5, 1986. The marriage added two children, Dustin and Christopher Whealon, to the family. He loved the boys as his own and enjoyed family life helping to raise them. Dave and Gaynell celebrated their 35th anniversary just weeks before his passing.
For twenty years Corte Bella, Arizona, was their second home. Dave had the best of retirement there – golf, happy hours, poker games, going to the theatre right after falling in a friends’ pool, and forever earning himself the name “Brave Duck.” The couple made many life-long friends at Corte Bella. Dave and Gaynell had a special affection for Hawaii and the island of Molokai, spending a few months a year there for several years. The family also travelled to Maui twice, once when the boys were young and once to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.
Dave enjoyed many diverse hobbies. He began skiing when he moved to Montana and, when he was at MSU, he spent more time at Bridger than he did in class. He became very involved with the Ski Patrol at Bridger and was the first paid Ski Patrolman on the mountain. When he and his family moved to Helena he became involved with Belmont and served in many volunteer capacities. His skiing adventures took him to British Columbia skiing the Monasheess, the Bugaboos, and the Caribous, once skiing with Hans Gmoser, founder of Rocky Mountain Holidays. Dave was also an avid marathon runner, hiker and golfer.
Another of Dave’s lifelong interests was aircraft and flight. After taking flying lessons he got his license and soon after he found himself in the middle of a lightning storm. When he landed on terra firma he swore he’d never pilot a plane again. And he didn’t, except in the second seat. Dave took flight on many wonderful WWII planes including his friend’s P-51, a memory of a lifetime for Dave. He was even afforded the opportunity to ride in the SNOOPY 2 blimp during one of the Pro golf tournaments he and Gaynell attended. On his 80th birthday Dave flew in a glider plane over the Phoenix valley.
Dave supported many charitable foundations in his life including the Florence Crittendon Home where he was the co-chair of the building committee. Dave also volunteered with many organizations including the YMCA and St. Peter’s Hospital, and was a member of the Shriners.
Dave shared a special love with his five-year-old granddaughter, Ciara May Whealon. Papa helped care for her three days a week and theirs were fun days reading books, playing boop and LCR, and letting Gammie rest. One thing very few people knew was that Dave was an excellent whistler, even whistling arias without missing a note. Dave was an intelligent, thoughtful, kind and generous man who loved his family, his friends and his wife.
Dave is survived by his wife Gaynell; children Bruce Bruck of Bozeman, Todd Bruck of Great Falls, Lynn Bruck of Helena, Dustin Whealon (Tracy) of Missoula, and Christopher Whealon (Kristin Bray) of Helena; grandchildren Nolan Bruck and Ciara May Whealon; step-grandchildren CJ and Carma Fritz; brother Tom of Boise, ID; and extended family Jim and Artha Mae Whealon, Kay Johnson, and Dan, Janna, Kaitlin, and Hanna Kroll. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bill and Bill’s wife Wendy, sister-in-law Mary Bruck, brother-in-law Hugo Lee Hansen, son-in-law Keith Kallio, daughter-in-law Becky Bruck, and extended family member Ray Mills.
A celebration of life will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke on Tuesday, July 27, at 1:00 p.m., with a reception following at the Green Meadow Country Club. There will be a private burial of ashes at FT. Harrison with military honors earlier in the day.
Donations are suggested to the Carroll College football field fund, St. Peter’s Hospice, Food Share, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Dave was a good man.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 27, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 27, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Vanessa Tolson says
Gaynell & family, so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Chuck & Vanessa
James Maher MD says
I have greatly enjoyed knowing David. It has been a pleasure to enjoy his company and wry gentle humor. My condolences to his family and all those who knows him.
Bob Biskupiak says
Gaynell and family we are so sorry for your loss. I’m reaching out to Dave’s many friends in the insurance industry.
Bill Price & Linda says
Oh so much to say Gaynell! As the Young Agents Past President, Dave appointed me to the Legislative Committee , that lasted another 30 years! I will miss that laugh and that great friend🙏
Bill & Linda Price
Roni Hawkins says
Gaynell, Thinking of you during this incredibly hard time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
❤️Roni and Zach
Verna Kroll says
Gaynell & Family, so sorry for the loss of David, he was special to the family and a blessing to us all.
Brianna always loved that he called her beautiful when he would see her. He was special to her and I am thankful for that. Know you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Verna & Brianna
Margaret Woo says
Gaynell,
I’m so sorry to learn that Dave passed away. I remember when we met. Dave made friends so easily; I enjoyed the times our paths would cross, both professionally and socially. He was always so gracious and cheerful. Big hug to you, with deepest sympathy.
Brian Donahue says
Dave was a mentor and friend for many, many years. He was responsible for bringing many young people into the insurance industry. This was very important to him and I know it was a source of pride for him. Always giving back!
We will miss him. God Bless.
Rita demars says
Had such fun times golfing with our crazy couples group and fun pizza party at Dave and Gaynell’s beautiful home. He was always a gracious host and gentleman.
Prayers for Gaynell and family.
Bebe Wirkus says
Nelly, may Almighty God comfort you and give you many positive memories of how your sweetheart loved you.
I am praying for you.
Bebe Wirkus
Barb and Pete says
Our thoughts and prayers you. Sorry about Dave’s passing
Philip Howeth says
Gaynell, to you and your family, my condolences in hopes that you can take comfort in all the fond memories you share.
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Mary Kay Bennett says
Dear Gaynell, I’m so sorry to hear about Dave..my thoughts have been with you and your family over the past week.
It’s hard to imagine someone who was so vital being gone.
Love to you- Mary Kay
Jerry Maddio says
Sorry to see the loss of Dave my prayers and thoughts to all the family
Shaun Peterson says
I was hired by Dave over 35 years ago at Montana International Insurance. Even though the agency name has changed several times over the years, I still work at the same insurance agency today.
I ran into Dave at a restaurant 2 years ago, and had the opportunity to once again thank him for believing in me, and giving me the opportunity to work in a career that has been a blessing to myself, and my family. I am forever grateful!
Dave was a good man and I will truly miss him.
Kevin Bartsch says
Bruce/Todd and Family- Very sorry for your loss. Certainly an impactful man on our community. I remember him skiing at Belmont way back when… Take care.
Ken Dunham / Janelle Fallan says
Our prayers for all of Dave’s family. We enjoyed our Montana Club leadership years with him as well as community activities.
Ed and Donnie Sexton says
Gaynell – We were so saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. We had the pleasure of getting to know Dave throughout the process of building your new home. He was a good man – we’ll miss him. Our thoughts are with you and your family as you adjust to life without Dave.
Phyllis McCullar says
Dear Gaynell, I’m so sorry to hear about Dave.
I have thought about you many times over the past years and really missed seeing you both. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. If you need anything please feel free to let me know. Thank you so very much for remembering Keith in Dave’s obituary. Love Phyllis
Debra Guffey (Visocan) says
Gaynell…was so sad to hear of Dave’s passing. I worked with you at Diocese when yall met and fell in love. My thoughts and prayers are with you and family. I would be there but having surgery that day.
Julie Bennett & Rich Deming says
Damn! We lost another one of the REALLY good ones in this world when we lost Dave. He was such a fun, caring, genuine person. He leaves a legacy in many ways, especially with our family and with the MT insurance industry. We will miss him greatly. Lots of hugs and love to you Gaynell and to the family.
Ron Symic says
Gaynell, you and Dave brought so much joy to our lives and many others in Corte Bella. Memories of our cruise from Boston to Quebec City, golf , parties and to many more to mention. My first golf game with the men’s group, and my particular foursome.,we crossed over to tee box number 5 and everyone but me started raiding your patio fridge of beer. Little did I know who you were and who’s house it was. Thus leading me to bringing 3 flats of beer from Canada to you for many years. Having a conversation with Dave was always with depth and meaning, many things we talked about. We missed both of you after you sold your home and everything time we drive through Helena on our way South we will think of you more and every time I cross over from 4 to 5 thoughts of you will be there. Just one more dinner at Flemings would have made it a perfect life. Love you Dearly Gaynell, Ron and Betty SYMIC.
Ken & Diana Pilson says
Gaynell:
So sad to hear of Dave’s passing. May you and your family find comfort in all the fond memories you share.
Ken & Diana Pilson
Dick& Neva Porte says
Gaynell,,Lynn:, Bruce, and Todd: Our prayers and though!s are with you. We have some fond memories of some happy times over the years. God Bless!
Dick & Neva Porte says
Gaynell,,Lynn:, Bruce, and Todd: Our prayers and though!s are with you. We have some fond memories of some happy times over the years. God Bless!
Marcia Wall says
Hello Gaynell and family ~ Would like to say that David was such a gentleman whenever I saw him! A big smile and hug, he embraced others as his family members! You both have given so much to Angel Fund and helped so many children in need over the years! Thank you for “paying it forward” so others benefit! I’m so very sorry I cannot be with you for his memorial, but have kept you close to my heart since learning of his passing. My prayers are with you sweet friend; he was one of the “good guys.” Take care of yourself! My love and hugs to you! Marcia Wall
The Spencer Family says
We’ve always considered it a blessing to have you as neighbors & friends. We certainly miss Dave’s company. He truly was a very kind & generous man. Gaynell ~ one thing that struck me the other day was that in all the years we’ve known you, it was rare to hear Dave call you by name. Instead, he referred to you as “Beauty”; which always made me smile. It’s clear you two had a very special kind of love. And he certainly did have a special bond with little Miss. Ciara May as well. Please know that our prayers are with you and your family. We are here for you if you need anything. All our love, the Spencer Family
John Cech says
Dear Gaynell and family:
On behalf of the Carroll College community, please accept our deepest sympathies. We so appreciate David and are thankful for his teaching and support of Carroll College. Please know both Victoria and I will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
John E. Cech, Ph.D.
President of Carroll College
Maryetta .Oscar says
Gaynell and your families, so very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was your very Best friend and Sweetie. Helen and Jeff were here on 7-27 and told us of your bad news.
Miss you and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Hugs and love.
Call me 651.485.5043