Bruce Matthew Bubenzer

Bruce Matthew Bubenzer passed away on December 4, 2025 in Noblesville, Indiana. He was born on October 5, 1960, in Laguna Beach, California, to Bruce Bubenzer and Geraldine (Harman) Bubenzer/Haupt. He grew up in the Indianapolis area and was a graduate of Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School and furthered his education at institutions including San Francisco and the University of Colorado Boulder, finally graduating from Indiana University with a Bachelor's Degree in Literature and Political Science in 1982. He obtained his paralegal certification in 2013. But the proudest moment of his lifelong commitment to learning and growth was receiving his teaching license in 2019.

Bruce had a remarkable ability to connect with people, fostering relationships and spreading positivity wherever he went. He was the most gentle, kind soul, an intellect with the heart of a poet. He was a lover of nature and history and was never seen without at least two or three books by his side, in his hands, or packed for easy reference in his ever-present backpack. He loved Jazz, classical music and classic rock and roll, especially Miles Davis, Artie Shaw, Beethoven, Bach and the Beatles, and passed these loves on to his children. He was also a film buff, loving everything from early Buster Keaton films to Wes Anderson. He enjoyed plays and musicals, and had lately become a fan of the musical Wicked after seeing the Broadway production last June.

Bruce married the love of his life, Joni Back-Bubenzer, on October 9, 1999, in Indianapolis, Indiana. From the moment they met, at a late summer party in the Indianapolis home called Tuckaway, they shared an immediate and profound connection. Throughout their lives together, it was clear to everyone who knew them that they shared a simple, pure affection that remained steadfast. In their 26 years of marriage, they raised their children, Spencer and Stella, in a loving and creative home. Bruce was never more proud than when attending one of Spencer's concerts or Stella's dance performances. He was a constant source of encouragement for their artistic endeavors, offering unwavering care and support throughout their lives. They built a beautiful life together, filled with music, museums, Literature, movies, plays, and musicals, and most of all love. They were happy just to be together,

A born athlete, Bruce was a member of the Brebeuf football and baseball teams. Throughout his adult life, he continued to enjoy taking part in sporting adventures, whether playing an afternoon of golf with his dad, bicycling, or just throwing footballs with his students. Bruce shared his passion for books with everyone he met. He worked as a bookseller for over twenty years. As an educator, he loved nothing more than to share his love of reading with his students. He organized read-alouds, book circles, and bookmobile visits at school. Bruce enjoyed volunteering at the Vonnegut Library in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Wolf Park in Battleground, Indiana. He acted in many local community theater productions, receiving an Encore Award from the Indianapolis theater community for his role as Charlie the Mailman in On Golden Pond in 1998. Bruce also enjoyed practicing yoga and walking in nature alongside his wife, Joni.

Bruce became Catholic as a young man and for years, found comfort in many of the Church's teachings and practices. More recently, he found peace and spiritual comfort in the simple, unprogrammed services at the Fall Creek Friends Meeting. His affinity for the quiet worship style and the meeting House itself made him feel at home, and it is in this space that the memorial service will be held.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Joni Back-Bubenzer; children, Spencer (Daisy), Stella, and Peter; father, Bruce Bubenzer; his stepmother, Marilyn; stepfather, Hans Haupt; sisters, Cynthia (Jeff) Cook, Tamara Wright, and Laurel (Steve) Ball; grandson, Brian; as well as a host of nieces and great nieces, nephews and great nephew, cousins friends, coworkers and students. He is now with those who went before him, including his mother, Geraldine Haupt, his brother Jeff Bubenzer, his grandparents, and aunts and uncles including Brenda Gadd and Robert Bubenzer.

His legacy is more than a list of virtues and accomplishments. More importantly, it is the quiet kindness, he extended to everyone, as well as the dedication that defined his work and genuine curiosity that field his lifelong love of learning. He will be deeply missed and remembered fondly by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

A Memorial Meeting for Worship will be held at the Fall Creek Friends Meeting in Pendleton, IN., on Saturday, December 13 at 11:30 AM. A meal will be served in the Meeting House basement following the service.

Fundraiser for Joni Back-Bubenzer by Morgan Bitz : Support for Joni, Spencer & Stella After Loss https://share.google/kBKsxetVowTgIStFT

Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements www.arnmortuary.com