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Bruce Koberstein Obituary
Bruce G. Koberstein
BILLINGS - Bruce passed away on November 24, 2022, in Billings, Montana after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Bruce was born in Minneapolis, MN on December 6, 1940, to Berneyce (Blaker) and G. C. Koberstein. Bruce graduated from South High in Minneapolis in June 1958. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged in June 1962.
Bruce married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Meader, on April 8, 1961. In August 1970 a son, David, was welcomed to the family. Sharon passed away in January 2001.
Upon discharge from the Air Force, Bruce attended Dunwoody Industrial Institute graduating in Architectural Drafting and Estimating. He worked for various architectural firms in several states. In 1978 Bruce joined Norwestern Bank Corporation in their Properties Department. Bruce was transferred to Billings in 1993 and retired from Wells Fargo Bank in 1999.
In September 2004, Bruce found true happiness when he married Karen Zup and acquired two step-daughters, Becky Meidinger and Jill Johnston and eventually five grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter. Bruce thoroughly enjoyed being Grandpa and Papa. With Karen by his side, Bruce enjoyed hiking, biking and their extensive travels. He also appreciated the performing arts and was a great supporter of Billings Studio Theater. We would like to give a special thank you to Riverstone Hospice, especially Heidi, Ryan, Kristine and Terri. You are true angels here on earth. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Riverstone Hospice or a charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will be held on December 6, 2022, at the Big Horn Resort Convention Center, from 2:00-5:00 pm. Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be scattered at a later date in Red Lodge, an area he especially loved.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Koberstein
4 Entries
Harvey Winje
June 9, 2023
It is bittersweet to have only recently learned of Bruce´s death last year. Fondness for him and times together in Phillips Neighborhood of Mpls, Cub Scouts, Explorer Scouts, canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Messiah Church, biking together, and especially going with him Saturdays with Bea and Koby to Koby´s Eat Shop for a burger, fries, a chocolate malt before watching movies across the street at the Boulevard Twins Theater after which driving home in their sleek Studebaker.
Bruce was in my 1963 wedding at Our Savior´s Church where we had scouts and basketball as kids and teenagers.
Now I regret not having kept up our long relationship in our adult life.
Chief Seattle counseled, "Leave only footprints, take only memories."
Bruce and I left some foot and bike tire prints together and I still savor good memories from time with him.
Shirley Esser
December 7, 2022
Dear Karen,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Deepest Sympathy,
Shirley Esser
Don and Dianna Schlegelmilch
December 4, 2022
Dear Karen, We were so very sorry to read about the passing of Bruce. We had no idea he was suffering from cancer. Bruce was so good with visits and cards when Don had cancer. If only we had known about his, we could have visited him. God Bless you now Karen! Love and Prayers, Dianna and Don
Theresa Ball
December 2, 2022
Oh, Karen. I'm so sorry to hear of Bruce's death, but so happy for him to be in the arms of our Savior. Each time I saw him, he had a smile on his face. And so did you! I'm glad you found each other and had the time together that you did. Much love to you. Theresa Ball
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