Bruce S. Peloquin

Bruce S. Peloquin

EAU CLAIRE - Bruce S. Peloquin, 87, of Eau Claire, passed away at his home on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

Bruce was born and raised in Chippewa Falls, the son of Anna (Normand) and Frank Peloquin. He was the youngest of ten children. He graduated from McDonell Central Catholic High School in 1954. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's in school psychology at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire (UW –EC).

Two of Bruce's greatest passions in life were politics and golf. Politics was like the air he breathed, and he often referred to himself as a "political junkie." He loved engaging in spirited debate and never hesitated to share his political views or educate others on current issues. He was a progressive who highly valued education and public service.

Golf was a personal challenge, and he loved spending time with all of his golf buddies at the local leagues, tournaments, and friendly recreational games, especially Jeff Hurt. He also enjoyed meeting up with his friends for card games at Falls Bowl.

After high school, Bruce worked at Mason Shoe, Uniroyal Tires, and 3M. Bruce ran for Chippewa Falls City Council twice and lost both times – the second time by only 7 votes. At the age of 22, he was elected to the Chippewa County Board and served from 1962 – 1965. He was the youngest member to serve on the Board and did so while also working three part-time jobs and attending college full time.

In 1964, the Chippewa County Democrats urged Bruce to run for State Assembly. A number of friends told him not to; however, he did anyway, needing to see for himself if he could do the job. He ran against Ed Lien, a Republican and attorney from Bloomer.

Bruce won the election and was told he was only the second Democrat ever elected to the State Assembly from Chippewa County.

He started his legislative work in January 1965 and put his education on hold. He had been attending school at UW – EC, serving on the County Board, working on a cement crew during the day, and bartending at Glen Loch Saloon at night. He was thrilled when he was appointed to the Senate Committee on Education by Carl Thompson, as this was where he most wanted to make a difference for the people of Wisconsin.

Bruce served in the Wisconsin State Legislature for fourteen years. He was a member of the State Assembly from 1965 – 1971 and of the State Senate from 1971 – 1979.

He took immense pride in sponsoring the passage of the Chapter 1 reading bill, which required schools to have reading specialists, and a special education bill. Both bills took years of planning and hard work. He also helped pass the first child abuse laws in Wisconsin and championed the development of the foster grandparent program.

He always voted with his conscience and often said, "The only things we need to do in this life are die and live with our conscience."

After leaving the Wisconsin State Legislature, Bruce co-owned the Bloomer golf course for a number of years, returned to school at UW – EC to complete his master's degree –even teaching a 10-year-old boy how to read while completing his degree – and became a licensed school psychologist. He worked in public schools in Greenwood, New Auburn, Gilman, and Cameron, Wisconsin. He took great care, pride, and satisfaction in his work, including assisting children with special needs.

Bruce married Nancy E. Langlois on June 11, 1982, and together they enjoyed spending time with family, back-road travels, auctions, antiques, flea markets, birdwatching, nature, and the outdoors. Bruce was an accomplished woodworker and spent many years deconstructing fourteen barns from around Wisconsin and a pickle factory in Chippewa Falls in order to use the materials to design and build the house they lived in, oftentimes referring to it as a "recycled house." He also constructed the timber cross that now stands at Round Hill, a sacred site in Arkansaw, Wisconsin.

Bruce was a rare and one-of-a-kind human being. He was a jack of all trades, a beloved spouse, father, brother, and friend. He was an experienced and talented politician, school psychologist, carpenter, architect, avid reader, and wise counselor to his family and those around him. He had a deep love, respect, and appreciation for nature, environmental conservation, and all living creatures – especially wolves. Bruce was a lifelong member of Holy Ghost Parish but unable to attend in recent years due to health challenges. He was also known for his sardonic, sharp humor and quick wit.

Bruce showed strength, courage, perseverance, and resilience in spite of coping with the lifelong effects of post-polio syndrome, and in later years, chronic pain from rheumatoid arthritis and histoplasmosis – a rare, life-threatening illness. He never hesitated to help others, especially family members, whenever he could.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Nancy, daughters, Simone of Washington D.C. and Traci (Scott) Froehlke of Montello, son, Dean of Tomah and two sisters, Lois Hofkes of Chippewa Falls and Verlene Sydejko of Glendale, California.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Norman, Dale, and Wayne Peloquin; and four sisters, Elaine Tandberg, Delores Muldoon, Betty Lou Middlestadt, and Anita Andress.

A memorial mass will be held at noon on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Rev. David Nowicki will officiate.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 11:00 AM to noon at the church. Interment will be at Hope Cemetery in Chippewa Falls.

Bruce's family would like to extend a special thanks to Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, and Interim Healthcare Home and Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Bruce's name to the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota, which Bruce loved visiting.

Horan Funeral Home in Chippewa Falls is in charge of arrangements.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.horanfuneralhome.com