Bruce A. Pennala

Ishpeming Twp.- Bruce Allen Pennala, 81, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025 at Marquette County Medical Care Facility with his family by his side.

Bruce was born on February 12, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of John and Elma (Tapio) Pennala. He graduated from Ishpeming High School with the Class of 1962. On December 10, 1965, Bruce married Jacqueline O'Neil, and together they raised three daughters.
Bruce dedicated 31 years of service to Cleveland-Cliffs, working at several area mines as a plant repairman and later as a tool crib attendant, before retiring. Known for his strong work ethic and reliability, he took pride in providing for his family.

Outside of work, Bruce found great joy in woodworking. He spent countless hours in his shop crafting everything from earrings and pens to large furniture pieces and beds. In 2006 he was selected to create Christmas ornaments featuring the State of Michigan to be presented by Governor Jennifer Granholm, a distinction he cherished. His daughters each received one as well. Bruce regularly sold his handcrafted pieces at craft shows throughout Marquette County and at select stores in Michigan's Copper Country. He especially loved working with bird's eye maple, which became a favorite material in his creations.

Bruce was a devoted and proud grandfather and great-grandfather. He rarely missed his grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's sporting events, no matter the sport. He was known for wearing buttons with their pictures pinned proudly to his hat and jacket-an unmistakable symbol of his love and pride.

Bruce is survived by his three daughters, Carla (Jamie) Bersinger, Jodi (Jon) Black, and Becky (Luke) Abendroth; four grandchildren, April (Lee) Erspamer, Danielle (Derrick) Burke, Matt (Hailey) Duhame, and Emily Black; six great-grandchildren, Christopher and Jillian Erspamer, Rory Duhame, Tessa, Lydia, and Luka Burke; sisters-in-law Robyn (Ken) Kinnunen, Joleyn (Phil) McCotter, Pat O'Neil, and Margaret Borlace; brother-in-law Ron (Debbie) Major; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jacqueline Pennala; his parents, John and Elma Pennala; his brothers, John, Roy, Ronald, and Donald Pennala; his in-laws, Robert and Elaine Moyle; his brothers-in-law, Ernie Borlace and Joseph Moyle; and a granddaughter, Chelsea Coron.

Honoring Bruce's wishes, no funeral services will be held.

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