Bruce Ernest Benedict

Bruce Ernest Benedict was born on April 24, 1935, the first child of Harold and Edith (VanBlarcom) Benedict. A devoted family historian, Bruce would have appreciated the inclusion of his grandparents: Ernest and Etta (Walsh) Benedict, and Guy and Bertha (Gorham) VanBlarcom, whose legacy deeply shaped his life and passions.

Bruce faced health challenges in his later years but remained alert, engaged and firmly in control until his passing on January 29, 2026, at the family farm at the age of 90. He spent his final years at the family homestead, a property settled by the Benedict family generations earlier. Living there brought him great joy, particularly as he worked to restore his grandparents' home and care for the surrounding farm that meant so much to him.

Bruce graduated from Vermontville Agricultural School in 1953. At age 18 he joined the Michigan National Guard serving six years. During this time, he worked at Oldsmobile. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1961. Bruce began a distinguished career with the U.S. Customs Department. His service ultimately led to his role as a District Director prior to retirement. He then worked as a customs consultant at J.V. Car in Detroit and Chicago. He rounded out his career working at Amway as Manager of International Customs Administration Services.

A lifelong student of history, Bruce was a devoted board member and volunteer at the Welch Historical Museum in Sunfield, Michigan. His contributions – especially in local history and genealogy- were widely respected and often describe as legendary. He was also an active member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, enjoying reenactments and regular meetings with fellow members. He meticulously researched and documented every branch of his family tree, tracing lineage back to John Howland who arrived on the Mayflower and beyond. He often expressed concern that younger generations might not fully appreciate the richness of their heritage – a legacy he worked tirelessly to preserve.

Above all else, Bruce cherished his family. He delighted in visits from his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Carrying forward family traditions and honoring those who came before him were central to his identity.

Bruce is survived by his beloved wife Carol (Fluger) Benedict of 27 years. Those 27 years were filled with travel and adventure and quality time spent with family and friends. Bruce embraced Carol's family as his own. He loved them and they loved him and they created many happy memories together.

He is also survived by his daughter Shirley Julaine Benedict Stilgebauer (Kenneth), his son Terry Bruce Benedict (Maureen), his daughter Jackie Dené Thompson (John), and their mother Margaret Joan Price Benedict, his daughter Sarah Louise Benedict and her mother Genevieve d'Argy, and former wife, Eunice Borelli. He was blessed by and survived by numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Bruce is survived by his sisters, Merial Das (Sunil), Mary Jo Brimmer and her significant other Tom Schmidt, Iris Wion (Leroy), Cherry Smart (Jimmy), Karen Usitalo (Jim), Brenda Bendict, and his brother Brian Benedict (Lorraine).

Bruce was, in the words of many, "a character." He loved storytelling and could command a room with ease, often punctuating his tales with a knowing smile and infectious laughter. He enjoyed lively discussion, took pleasure in being heard, and could effortlessly recite generations of family members by name, date, and place. His sharp intellect and remarkable memory were gifts he shared generously. Though he is deeply missed, Bruce Ernest Benedict will always be remembered as a man who treasured family - past, present, and future – and who understood that his life was built upon the shoulders of those who came before him.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 2pm to 6pm, at the Bismark Schoolhouse, 8925 Round Lake Road, Vermontville, MI 49096