Bruce Willard Whipple

Our beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather, Bruce Whipple passed on to be with his wife, Elaine and daughter, Danita on November 8, 2024.
Born May 19, 1935, Bruce grew up in Arlene area where the family owned and ran the Arlene general store. Bruce went to serve his country in May of 1952; enlisting in the Navy, and upon return married his true love, Alice (Elaine) Johnson.
He met his wife, Elaine of 70 years (that includes the illegal ones) at Lake City High School. They married on Oct. 14, 1956, and settled down in Lake City to start their family.
A devoted husband and father, Bruce dedicated his life to family and fixing anything he could get his hands on or that anyone would drop off. He was a Master Mechanic, known for his incredible mechanical mind that could analyze and diagnose by just getting a description or listening.
Bruce was a licensed Pilot that combined with his mechanic skills turned into not just flying his own plane; but rebuilding them. One he purchased in bushel baskets pulled out of a basement that he built in his shop, then flew around the Lake City area. Bruce never met a challenge he could not fix with some grease and a wrench.
He was also known for dropping a deer with the first shot every time. He loved eating mom's pies and homemade ice cream. His generosity went far beyond family. His quick wit and amusing stories were enjoyed and expected by anyone that called or visited him.
Bruce was a one of a kind, whose impact will be forever felt by his family and all that knew him. He was a selfless person filled with kindness and compassion whose passing has left an unfillable gap in the hearts of loved ones. His ability to sacrifice, provide, support, forgive, and love will be forever remembered by all he knew.
He was loved dearly by his children; sons, Kim Whipple, Kerry Bruce (Kerry Sue) Whipple, Kirt Whipple and daughters, Dawn Cass (Steve) and Danita Park.
Along with his children, Bruce is survived by his grandchildren, Travis (Adrianna) Park, Collin (Megan) Park, Matthew (Renee) Park, Bruce Whipple, Kimberly Wright (Gregory), Gregory (Stephanie) Hale, Katrina Hale, Tommy (Ashley) Hale, Kayla Cherrette; as well as his delightful great-grandchildren, Austin, Egwaine, Asher, Oakley, Hazel, Sawyer, Gideon, Bjorn, Flynn, Morgan, Nick, Katie, Mark, Kasha, Kaniya, Abby, Jaelyn, Cole, Brian, William, Rian, Blake, Eric; and his sisters, Dana and Connie; and brother, Dale. He is also blessed with two great-great grandchildren and two granddogs.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the incredible care givers, Chelsea, Kelsey, Jamie and Jill. Thanks to these ladies Bruce was able to remain in his home after the passing of his wife, Elaine.
Bruce was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church in Lake City and was a member of the Lake City Masonic Lodge for over 50 years.
Next time something breaks, or you pick up a wrench think of Bruce Whipple. In his honor, we ask that you find a piece of pie (maybe lemon or custard; one of Bruce's favorites) and think of him smiling as you enjoy!
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 22, 2024 at the Young-Holdship Funeral Home with Rev. James Noggle officiating and the Masonic Lodge #408 of Lake City will also conduct services. Visitation will be Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Young-Holdship Funeral Home and also on Friday beginning at 10:00 am until service time.
Burial will be in the Lake City Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Lake City American Legion Post 300.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Lake City United Methodist Church or the Lake City Masonic Lodge #408, 4769 Paradise, Falmouth, MI 49632
The Young-Holdship Funeral Home in Lake City is serving the family. Words of comfort and memories may be shared on www.holdshipfuneralhomes.com
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