Bruce Trent Wicklander
Bruce Trent Wicklander
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Bruce Wicklander Obituary
A graduate of Waverly High School, Bruce carried his passion for communication into his studies at Lansing Community College, where he trained to become an interpreter. His academic pursuits led him to a fulfilling career with KRESA, where he worked diligently as an interpreter.
Bruce's love for music knew no bounds. From strumming the guitar to playing the piano and violin, his musical gifts brought joy and harmony into the lives of those around him. An ardent fan of Prince, Bruce's appreciation for music was as deep as it was eclectic, and his enthusiasm was contagious.
Those who had the pleasure of knowing Bruce experienced firsthand his loving nature and his genuine care for others. His ability to light up a room with his kindness made him a cherished figure in his community. Bruce's personality was a beacon of positivity, touching the lives of many with his compassion and warmth.
Bruce was a beloved son to his parents, Paul and Beverly (Szejn) Wicklander. His bond with his sister, Shelly (Jim) Welton, was one of mutual adoration and respect. As a devoted uncle, Bruce played a special role in the lives of his nephew, Michael (Jessica West) Smith Jr., and his nieces, Marki (Noah) Shoemaker, Sara Farrar, and great niece Luna. He is preceded in death by his brother, William "Bill" Farrar.
A Memorial Service will be held at The Lansing Seventh Day Adventist Church, 5400 West Saint Joseph Hwy., Lansing, on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations for expenses can be made in loving memory of Bruce to the family c/o Beverly Wicklander. For online condolences please visit www.millsfuneral.com (http://www.millsfuneral.com)
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bruce, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Michele Ramsey
April 9, 2024
Bruce & I met in elementary school. His laugh made you laugh. He had such a good quality of making people feel welcome. I wish there were more people like Bruce in the world. We were in music class together & I think that's how we became friends. I went to see purple rain prince movie once, Bruce seen it over & over... Bruce was a kind hearted caring person. In class I mentioned once how I was nervous to take my driver's Ed road test. Next thing I know he's driving me thru downtown Lansing preparing me. We graduated Waverly High School together & never kept in touch. I'm sorry for your loss. Michele (Wall) Ramsey
Kathleen Robertson
March 3, 2024
Bruce. I.L.Y.
I'll be seeing you, my friend.
Your Stella
Charmaine Verasammy
March 3, 2024
My first memory of Bruce was meeting him as a friend of my sister, Skeeter. We visited my sister and she had to go to work so Bruce would come and pick me and my baby up to take us around. In the years since then , he was part of our family. Bruce and I were birthday twins. I will truly miss not being able to wish him a happy birthday this year. RIEP Bruce, you will surely be missed.
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Tanya Stamford
March 3, 2024
Bruce and I met at the class Kathy was teaching at LCC- something on the creative arts side of interpreting. That must have been in '90 or '91. You were there for the "Bill" episode and you were there to tell me point blank what I needed to do to get out of my spiraling cycle of self-destructive tendencies, even though I didn't want to hear it at the time.
You have an incredible gift of laughter and leaving everyone who meets you in a better space. I already miss your warm hugs and your quirky wit. You were an OUTSTANDING ASL Interpreter and shared your gift with numerous grateful staff, students and parents of Deaf children.
We are celebrating your life today, and I'm going to do my best not to cry. I love you, Bruce. Thank you for making my life so much better.
Leslie Darling
February 24, 2024
Dear Bruce,
My heart is heavy and sad to know that you no longer share the physical earth plane with us. My close friend and confidant, it still seems unreal that you are no longer here. There is a profound grief- a missing chapter that can´t be replaced. We have more than 30 years of history together, sharing our joys and our sorrows. We worked together at Lansing School District- Everett High School for a span of five years, and nine years with K-RESA at Portage Public Schools. We worked with groups of students that graduated after being part of their education from grades 4 through 12. We have awesome photographs and memories of the Senior Goodbye party in Portage in summer of 2009. I am so grateful for your friendship, presence, collaboration and professional counsel in all of those years.
You were a friend that always had a listening ear and a compassionate heart. You gave me advice that I needed but didn´t want to hear. Only the closest friends can do that. I will miss your laughter and your quirky sense of humor! You were gifted in collecting music and often shared it. You gifted me with a portfolio of music that you ripped onto CD for me, introducing me to the music of Elliot Smith and many other artists. (This was before the time of streaming music.) We liked to talk about iTunes! Recently I ran across a Prince book I thought you would like, but of course you already had it! You created a CD "Have Yourself a Merry Little Deafmas" dated 2001 where each member of our staff submitted a song. It included a stocking with each person´s name and a handout explaining each selection. You and Kathleen gifted all six seasons of Northern Exposure which I will always cherish. We have so many mutual friends and your life touched so many others.
I have fond memories of our made up Smova Botia holiday, senior graduations, field trips and school parties. We attended many Saturday workshops and seminars that we needed for our CEU´s. We used to like a Greek restaurant in Portage. Your parents share your generous spirit. Your mom would often call me to share their excess food, and I stopped by your parent´s home in Lansing often, just sitting in the living room and being with them. As life took us in different directions, we didn´t always hang out as much as we used to, but we always stayed in touch with a phone call or a text. Every in person meeting ended with a hug and "Love you" and you ended every text with the "ILU" sign, including the last text I got after finding you were in hospital.
You were a wonderful caregiver to your folks, coming home every weekend to help with their needs. I know they miss you more than words can say. I can´t understand the plans of our Creator. You are no longer struggling and in pain, and your spirit if free. Those of us still here miss you greatly. Your humor, kindness, compassion and memories will never be forgotten, and I am so grateful to have had you for a friend.
Melinda Nelson
February 14, 2024
I met Bruce while working at KRESA many years back . He always had a good heart and nothing but kind and supportive words for students. I changed positions and work for Portage Public Schools now and ran into Bruce at a First Day Shoe Fund event this school year at a PPS Elementary School, same huge smile on his face still speaking so kindly with all the kids. His positivity was infectious and he will be missed.
Scott Ingold
February 12, 2024
I was introduced to Bruce by Robyn Hill many years ago. Every time I was around Bruce, he was very nice and always had a smile on his face. I was sadden to hear of his passing. He was truly one of a kind and will be missed.
Sheryl Plesco
February 12, 2024
I am saddened to hear of Bruce's passing. I worked with him for awhile in the school system interpreting. He was always happy and encouraging. He will be truly missed!
Mary & Paul Roobol
February 12, 2024
Bruce was a "one of a kind" in being a consummate professional with a huge heart for people! He was a truly bright spot in this world that will be sorely missed. A man with so many facets in his life, it is impossible to describe the positive impacts he has made. His memory lives on in the lives he touched. The good souls, like Bruce's, seem never to be with us long enough; however, their life's example remains!
Laura Crocker
February 11, 2024
I had the pleasure of working with Bruce in my classroom at the elementary level in Portage Public Schools. Through my interactions with him I learned so much about the deaf culture, sign language, and how to communicate with my deaf students. I learned how to laugh at myself and appreciated his patience and kindness when I just "didn´t get it." He was always kind, supportive, and best of all, forgiving.
The world was a better place with Bruce in it and he will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
Skeeter Verasammy-Parsons
February 11, 2024
We went to college together to get our sign language degree. I love him and miss him so much.He was an amazing person and my best friend .
Sue Schroder
February 10, 2024
Sue Schroder
I knew Bruce from working at West Middle School. He always had a kind word and a smile for everyone he came into contact with. Prayers of peace for his family.
Stephanie Clark
February 10, 2024
Bruce was an absolutely amazing addition to our ISD Deaf & Hard of Hearing Team. He was love by all who crossed his path. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to know him. He made the world a better place and will be sorely missed.
Donna Bullock
February 10, 2024
I worked with Bruce for a short time in Constantine. He had a special love for all students. I still often think of him and the special attitude he had for everyone who came across his path, even if it was for only a short time like myself. Taken to soon, he will be missed.
Michelle Kounelis
February 10, 2024
I respected the way Bruce approached his job with the teachers and students. He genuinely cared about doing his best. His sincerity and kindness shone through at school. I am deeply sorry for Bruce´s family and many friends. I hope that the many memories of him will bring comfort during this difficult time. Sincerely, Michelle Kounelis
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