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Bruce Kienlen Obituary
Bruce A. Kienlen, 82, of Idaho Falls, died Sunday, June 12, 2011, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls.
He was born Dec. 6, 1929, in Nicollet County, Ridgely Township, Minn., the son of Clarence E. and Angela M. Biebl Kienlen. Bruce spent his early childhood in the Roberts area, where he attended schools from the fourth to the ninth grades. He attended O.E. Bell Junior High School and graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1948. After high school, Bruce attended the Army Command and General Staff College, graduating with honors in July of 1973.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean and Vietnam wars, retiring as a brigadier general. Bruce married Kathleen O'Neill on May 9, 1950, in Idaho Falls.
Bruce proudly served as a member of the Idaho National Guard for 34 years and was employed for 30 years by Argonne National Laboratory-West until his retirement. Bruce lived his life with a total "can do" attitude, being ingenious, creative, honest, patriotic and fair.
Survivors include two sons, Brad (Cindy) Kienlen of Zachory, La., and Kelly (Jill) Kienlen of Rigby; four sisters, Lenore Acosta of Redlands, Calif.., Wini Herda of Big Lake, Minn., and Madge (Ray) Holmer and Nancy Gamble, both of Idaho Falls; a brother, Fred (Rose) Kienlen of Idaho Falls; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; and two brothers, Joe and Jack.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 17, at Buck-Miller-Hann Funeral Home, 825 E. 17th St. in Idaho Falls. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., prior to the services. Military rites will be under the direction of the Bonneville Veterans Team with the Idaho National Guard. Condolences for the family may be left at www.buckmillerhann.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Kienlen
Wini Herda
June 25, 2011
Bruce, I miss you so very much. You were always the first sibling I saw when I came home and the last I visited when I left. You shared so much from your vast storehouse of experience. I love you, Wini
John & Jacquie O'Neill
June 21, 2011
We could not have picked a better brother-in-law. He will be missed.
Alex Herda
June 20, 2011
I will miss Uncle Bruce's unique sense of humor; his many email would always bring a chuckle. His passing is a loss for this world ~ may he be at peace.
Trying to demolish T-1 by hand
Roger Black
June 18, 2011
This was Bruce the day his construction office was demolished in 1991. We had some fun pretending we were pushing the building over. I have a video you can have if you let me know where to send it.
June 17, 2011
I was deepley saddened to hear of Bruces death. I worked with Bruce for a number of years and found him to be one of the most ingenious, honest and fair individuals that I have met. I know he will be missed by all of his family and friends.
Bill Stephens
Roger Black
June 17, 2011
Bruce was a friend and coworker for many years at Argonne-West. He was a true professional and could always be relied on in the most difficult tasks.
June 16, 2011
Kelly, we were so sorry to hear of Bruce's death. He was a true friend and inspiration to Beth and I. We will miss him dearly. I will miss his daily e-mails. Our prayers are with you and you family. Joe and Beth
Lola Hoganson
June 16, 2011
I'm so sorry that Bruce passed away.
I miss his daily emails.
He helped with family tree information.
cousin Lola
penny drewes
June 16, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss,
Love Don & Penny.
June 16, 2011
Kelly,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to loose your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Brad Chaffin
Kerstine Herda
June 16, 2011
I will certainly miss my Uncle Bruce, (a.k.a. the "old curmudgeon") and his daily emails. I enjoyed our vibrant "email" relationship, as physical distance prevented more visits. He was a lovely man, even though he'd be mortified to be called such :) and a blessing in my life.
Mary Dee Goettsche
June 15, 2011
I am thankful for the help Bruce gave me after Jim's death. He was truly a friend.
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Buck-Murphy Funeral Home & Cremation Services825 E 17th Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83404
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