Bruce Daniel Gruszeczka

Bruce D. Gruszeczka, 78, of Catoosa, Oklahoma, passed away on August 23, 2025, at Chapters Memory Care in Tulsa after a long and courageous battle with dementia. He was a devoted family man, a proud veteran, and a nationally ranked competitive racquetball player, whose greatest joy came from time spent with his family.

Born in Kewanee, Illinois, on June 13, 1947, to Paul and Alta Gruszeczka, Bruce was the third of four children. He grew up alongside his siblings, Carolyn Milnes, Ken Gruszeczka, and Paula Pettit, with whom he shared a strong bond. After graduating from Kewanee schools, he volunteered for the draft and honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, with one of his two years of service spent in Vietnam.

Upon his return, Bruce worked as a welder before starting a family with his wife, Rozanne Matson. They settled in Kewanee and were blessed with four children: Heidi, Dan, Olof, and Phebe. Later, Bruce found a long-lasting career with ANR pipeline, where he was hired as a worker before qualifying to become a measurement technician. His work took the family to Orange, Texas, where he worked for a week at a time on an offshore platform 93 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico before coming home for a week off. In 1981, his career brought the family to Elk City, Oklahoma, as a measurement technician on land.

It was in Elk City that Bruce discovered his passion for racquetball, a sport he pursued with fervor and skill. After 25 years with the pipeline, he took an early retirement and dedicated himself to competitive racquetball tournaments, eventually achieving a national ranking within his age level. His competitive spirit and love for the game were a defining part of his later life. He also had a tender side, loving his daily walks with his dog and relishing his time with his nine grandchildren, for whom he often made homemade bread and French toast.

In 2023, as his family grew and moved on, Bruce and Rozanne moved to Catoosa to be closer to them. Unfortunately, his health began to decline, leading him to Chapters Memory Care, where he received compassionate care in his final years.

Bruce will be remembered for his steadfast commitment to his country and family, his strong work ethic, his passion for racquetball, and the simple joys he shared with his loved ones. He leaves behind a legacy of determination and love that will be cherished by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Rozanne, his four children, nine grandchildren, and numerous other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. The family requests that any donations be made to a charity supporting dementia research in Bruce's honor, such as the Alzheimer's Association.