Bruce Arno Duenkler

Bruce Arno Duenkler

May 24, 1948 - February 1, 2021

Bruce Arno Duenkler, 72, breathed his last earthly air and his first fresh, heavenly air on Monday, February 1, 2021.

Bruce was born May 24, 1948, in Cleveland, Ohio to Arno Duenkler, Jr. and Dorothy Duenkler (Meek). Little sister, Cheryl, followed in October 1951. In Ohio, extended family lived close, so birthdays and holidays were great family affairs. Bruce was the "organizer" among the neighborhood children (there were 82 kids on one block). The self-proclaimed "King of the Pogo Stick" led the building of huge snow forts, week-long monopoly games, marathon bike rides, and long treks through local parks. Big changes occurred in 1962 when the family moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was then that the family took up camping. They traveled extensively throughout the West with Bruce, once again, organizing their trips. Maps and more maps were strewn on the floor to plan the trips and organize ways to explore the camping areas.

Bruce graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1966 and New Mexico State University in 1971 with a B.S. in Math Education. From there he taught Junior High math in Las Vegas, Nevada. In college and Las Vegas, he made friendships that lasted a lifetime.

In 1979, while on a camping trip with friends, Bruce discovered Helena, Montana. The next year, he moved to Helena. His parents soon followed. After working a few odd jobs, he began his career with the State of Montana as an investigator for the Licensing Board. The position required traveling to every corner of the state. He discovered almost every art gallery, candy store, wine shop, the number of hills between every town, and that the best restrooms were in the courthouses. After 30 years, Bruce retired.

Once retired Bruce thoroughly enjoyed travel, fine food, and sharing time with family and his many friends. He was a lifelong Lutheran and served the congregation of First Lutheran Church in many capacities. He made sure his family always had season tickets to the Helena Symphony. Bruce served as a great role model to his family and friends for love, understanding, compassion, and great faith in his Lord and Savior.

Bruce is predeceased by his parents, grandparents, and an aunt. He is survived by sister and brother-in-law Cheryl and Dennis Brown (Helena); uncle and aunt, Don and Mary Meek (Helena); nephews and their children, Jeff and Lisa Ovens, Kaleesi and Harrison (Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin), Jason and Dani Ovens, Caleb and Hannah (Billings); a much-loved friend Grace Burger (Helena); and many more friends from around the country.

Funeral services will be held February 16, 2021, Tuesday, 2 p.m., at First Lutheran Church, 2231 East Broadway in Helena. Pandemic restrictions will be observed. Cremains will be interred at Sunset Memorial Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the charity of your choice. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Bruce.