Bruce M. Kroetch
Bruce M. Kroetch, age 66 Philip, South Dakota
Bruce Martin Kroetch, age 66, of Philip, South Dakota, died on Friday, September 6, 2019,at the Philip Nursing Home, in his sleep, after a long battle with cancer.
Bruce Kroetch was born in Oakland, CA on January 19, 1953 to Arthur and Eleanor (Johnson) Kroetch. He grew up in Philip, SD and graduated from Philip High School in 1971. On September 7, 1974 Bruce was united in marriage with Linda (Wilson). They welcomed 3 children Ross in 1975, Julie in 1978, and Lisa in 1981.
In the early years of their marriage, Bruce drove truck for Scotchman Industries. In 1982 he was able to fulfill a dream of opening a hardware store, Bad River Supply. After the store closed in 1987, Bruce worked a short time for Philip Motor before returning to Scotchman as manager of the saw division, moving into customer service and then completed the circle by driving Scotchman’s truck until his retirement.
Throughout the years Bruce was known for his volunteer heart. He was involved in over 20 organizations on local, state, regional, and national levels. His drive to help others was second nature. If you didn’t find him lending a hand, you could find him on the golf course, going to auctions, riding his motorcycle, loading scrap iron, building trailers, fixing golf carts, or being with the guys having a coffee break or going to anger management.
Grateful for having shared his life with his wife Linda; his son Ross (Heidi) Kroetch of Fargo, ND; his two daughters, Julie (Steve) Daly of Midland, SD, and Lisa (Andrew) Kunz of Sioux Falls, SD; 10 grandchildren, Bailey Carpenter, Ellie, Alex, and Parker Kroetch, Carson and Dane Daly, Joseph, Claire, Andrew, and Henry Kunz; his mother Eleanor; brother Jerry (Karen); sisters, Mary (Rick), Barb (Gerry), Sharon (Mike), and Carol (Dan); sister-in-law Karla; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father Art and brother Steve.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, with a rosary prayer service starting at 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, SD.
Interment will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip, SD.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Haakon County Prairie Transportation. Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 482, Philip, SD 57567.
Arrangements are with the Rush Funeral Home of Philip.
