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Bruce Van Roekel Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Van Roekel
Amanda Carlson
February 2, 2009
Rev. Bruce,
I just recently learned of your passing, you will always be remembered as a kind and generous man of God in our family. You baptized our daughter Abigail, and the service you preformed was beautiful. Although my family does not attend church regularly due to our professions, we were married through Casas Adobe Congregational and both our children have been baptized there. Your kind words and encouragement to remain with the church and with God will always be cherished. May you rest in peace knowing you have touched so many lives and led them to God.
Yours,
Amanda
Lyn Rose
December 1, 2008
The Angel we called Bruce...
I came to know Jesus through a man named Bruce. Not through his Sunday sermons, but through the shining example of Christ that he lived.
Bruce was both a personal friend and spiritual guide to myself and hundreds of others and I know that he is at the right hand of God with the other Angels, watching over us and offering his spiritual advise from the other side.
I will thank God every day for sending this man to the world because Bruce truly made a difference and brought this planet to a higher level of consciousness. He was a metaphysician and a true example of service and Christ.
Tim Wilcox
December 1, 2008
Dear Marilyn and Family,
My family and I are very saddened by your loss. We were all shocked by the news of Bruce's passing. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
All our best,
Tim Wilcox
Linda Heritage
November 30, 2008
Dear Marilyn,Aaron and Kate,
To have known Bruce these past few years, was a turning point in my life. You have been blessed to have had him through the years and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this fine man with us. He has been the most important person in my life for spiritual support and as a sterling human being. May God bless you always. Linda Heritage
Julia Street
November 30, 2008
My heart is with your family as I heard the news today. Pastor Bruce was the only pastor to ever touch my life the way only a true man of god can. It was his words that have instilled faith in me, through his support of our family, marrying my parents during his time in St.Charles, and his loving guidance during several hardships my family endured. And it saddens me he never knew, that when the day comes that I marry, he was the only one I had ever imagined for the occasion. My entire family is sending our loving thoughts, and thinking of you, and remembering Pastor Bruce as the incredible man he was...
Susan Burbach
November 23, 2008
Marilyn, Aaron, Kate
I so very much enjoyed Saturday night church with Pastor Bruce's informal teaching style. He will be greatly missed. May God's everlasting peace and comfort fill your lives at this time.
Ralph Pickering
November 18, 2008
A Personal Reflection on Pastor Bruce Van Roekel
From: Ralph Pickering and family
First, I would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to Marilyn, Aaron, Kate, and the entire Van Roekel family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult and painful time.
I got to know Pastor Bruce well while serving on the Consistory and the Stewardship committee at Friedens UCC. Bruce was a thoughtful, considerate person with a seeming zest for life, particularly after fighting off cancer on two separate occasions. It was a great sorrow for Connie, Larissa and I to hear of Pastor Bruce’s untimely passing. While being in a state of shock, I recalled the words of my father who always said that “circumstances alter cases”; the meaning of which I took to be, that one never knows what life events, trials, tribulations, and unforeseen circumstances can alter a set course and ultimately lead to unfortunate and sometimes tragic outcomes. I can only say that …there but for the grace of God go any one of us.
I’d like to share a particular remembrance of Bruce that goes beyond his 5:30 a.m. prayers at the hospital for our daughter Larissa before her surgery which had very uncertain possibilities; when Connie had elbow surgery, and when I faced a surgical procedure for prostate cancer – Bruce was there each time, even given the early hour, to offer his and God’s support for us. But Bruce was more than spiritual guide, comforter of the sick, Sunday preacher and teacher – he was, I would say, a “genuinely real person” and a joy to just to be around.
After my final year on Consistory and having served as president that year; Bruce called one evening out of the blue and asked if it was OK if he came by the house for a few minutes - he said he had something he wanted to give me. Of course, I said that was fine. When Bruce walked in, he was carrying a fresh box of Macanudo stogies just for me. Those of you who are not cigar aficionados need to know that these are fine cigars. Bruce remembered that I had a penchant for a good cigar along with a couple of cold beers on occasion – well, maybe more than on occasion. In any case, it was a great and thoughtful gift from a friend.
A few weeks later at the church sausage supper, I brought couple of those cigars and a cooler of AB’s finer selections, just in case a break in the action would allow some indulgence. At about 4:00 o’clock – that’s 8:00pm for those who were still hard at it that day; I suggested to Bruce that we take a cigar and beer break – he went for the idea right off. It was unseasonably warm that day, so we sat out back and each fired up a stogie and drank a couple of beers over the next hour or so. We talked about nothing in particular, but had some laughs and appreciated each other’s company – a couple of friends just sitting there enjoying ourselves.
I didn’t realize it at the time and I don’t think Bruce did either, but he was, I believe, conveying a message to me about the loving nature of God. To Bruce, I think, God was not some austere, straight-laced, demanding, harsh figure who frowned upon our human frailties and mild self indulgences. But rather, I believe he thought of God as accepting, caring, open, forgiving, and yes, even fun-loving. Sharing a good cigar and beers with Bruce that day seems unimportant in and of itself, but I’ve often thought back to that gift and our hour or so of conversing – it’s a time and lesson I will never forget. God’s Speed to you Bruce, till we meet again.
With Sincere Sympathy and Regard,
Ralph and Connie Pickering;
Larissa McGinty
Joyce Andrews
November 14, 2008
Dear Marilyn, Kate and Aaron,
My thoughts and prayers are with all
of you. You all were such good neighbors back on the farm.
Love,
Joyce Andrews
Josh Bethune
November 12, 2008
my prayers are with the family.
Madelene Orton
November 12, 2008
Dearest Marilyn, Aaron, and Kate,
I extend my deepest sympathies and continued prayers for your comfort right now. Bruce was a God send to my family these past few years, and welcomed me into the Casas fold graciously. Bruce was one person who understood the need to speak Truth to power with quiet humility, courage, and conviction, and I held him in great esteem. I have no doubt that he is in the company of Heavenly Hosts and has been welcomed by those who went before him. My love and prayers are with you all ... extended in Christ's Love and Friendship.
Christine Hall
November 12, 2008
Marilyn and Family,
We were so deeply saddened to hear of Bruce's passing. We have truly missed being a part of the Casas Adobes family after our move to Sierra Vista. Having you and Bruce travel here to be a part of our wedding was so special and a memory that we will always treasure. And more recently, attending the Christmas Eve service this past year while we were spending the holiday in Tucson, will hold special meaning for us. May you find comfort in your memories of Bruce.
Warmest condolences,
Chris & Jerry Hall and family
Georgia White-Kisslring
November 11, 2008
Marilyn, Aaron, Kate,
I am so terribly sorry to hear about Bruce. We will all miss his mind, his quick wit, his infectous laugh and of course his constant coffee mug in his hand during seminary days.
Kate and Aaron we love you both very much and take care of your mom. Come see us when you can in St Louis. Love and hugs
Georgia, Marguerite (Rite) and James Kissling
Barb DeGeest
November 11, 2008
Marilyn,
I was so sorry to hear about Bruce. My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy are with you and your family. I haven't seen you both since high school, but I always thought of you both with the highest regard.
Barb (Goldizen) DeGeest
Steven Carras
November 11, 2008
Dear Marilyn and family,
We were deeply saddened to learn of Bruce's death. His caring guidance and comforting words helped us greatly during our own recent loss. May the warmth of the many he touched in life comfort you in this time of grief.
Betty Schippers
November 10, 2008
Marilyn, Aaron, and Kate,
Our hearts go out to you, and we continue to keep you in our prayers. Bruce was truly a remarkable man. He never tired of learning new things; enjoyed being around others; was gentle, compassionate, and loving; and had a great sense of humor. My favorite thing about Bruce was his way of challenging you to think "outside the box." He was a man ahead of his time in many ways.
Wally and Dot Kolkmeier
November 10, 2008
Marilyn, Kate and Aaron,
Wally and I were so sorry to hear about Bruce. He was such a good man when he was at our church. When we worked together at church, he was a very smart person to talk to. We had a good many conversions about anything and everything. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Wally and Dot Kolkmeier
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