Bruce Gerald Whitmarsh, age 83, of Miles City went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at the VA Community Living Center in Miles City.
Bruce was born in Alston, Michigan on July 30, 1932 to Esther (Eklund) and Wilbert Heikkila. After graduating from Traunik High School, he enlisted in the Navy and served on the Harry S. Bauer. In 1957, Bruce married Ruth Elinore Ylitalo and graduated from Michigan Tech in forestry. The couple moved to Lakeview, Oregon where Bruce began his career as a forester for the Bureau of Land Management. They later moved, living in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota until returning to Oregon in 1963. The family then moved to Montrose, Colorado and in 1976 transferred to Miles City, Montana where Bruce has lived since.
After retirement, Bruce and Ruth shared their faith by volunteering on 17 building projects throughout the United States with “Laborers for Christ”, a Lutheran Church Missouri Synod mission organization. Bruce enjoyed gardening, playing cribbage and hunting the wiley antelope. He will be remembered for his care and concern for our natural resources, his delicious Lohta casserole, his well worn Bible, and his dedication to the land of Israel.
Bruce is survived by his daughter Liisa Eyerly (John) of Westfield, WI; two sons: Gerald Whitmarsh (Patti) of Seattle, WA and Bill Whitmarsh of Miles City, MT; his grandchildren: Matthew, Kathryn and Kristyn; three sisters: Harriett Bartlett of NC; Kathy Sommo of Los Angeles, CA; Rita Young of WA; four brothers: John Whitmarsh (Mary Jane), Roger Whitmarsh (Janet); Mark Whitmarsh (Jackie) all of Chatham, MI; and Frank Mattson (Patti) of WA; and a brother-in-law Carl Nystrom of Marquette, MI. He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years Ruth; his mother Esther, father Wilbert, step-father Harry Whitmarsh, and a sister Joan Nystrom.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 27, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Sion Lutheran Church in Chatham, Michigan. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Memorials may be made in Bruce’s name to the Trinity Lutheran School, Trinity Lutheran Church, Pregnancy Outreach Clinic in Miles City.
Jim Nelstead says
Gerry and Whitmarsh family,
So to see the passing of your father. I know that you enjoyed spending time hunting with him. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Ern,Esther and Terry Nelson says
” pease” he would always say when we met ,now he is at pease with our Lord ! He will be missed ! Pease and God comfort you ,his children and family !! Amen
Peter Bierbach says
He was my boss for several years at the BLM in Miles City; one of the best. I remember his saying “Mother Goose”. Never heard anyone else say that. Sad that he is gone.
William Volk says
He was my supervisor, mentor and friend at Miles City . His ” Mother Goose” and “dirty bow wow” are forever in my mind. He led us (newbies in div of resources ) to new heights on public land mgmt. We now have another guardian angel. Peace my friend.
Chris Roholt says
BG was the first supervisor for many of the Mile City BLM’s post-FLPMA babies. None of his successors were any better for me. After his retirement, Ruth and Bruce visited us in California while working on churches and those were good times. Karen and I extend condolences to Gerry, Liisa, and Bill and their families.
bill sharp says
I am so sorry to hear about Bruce. I worked with Bruce in Montrose Colo. I was an area manager in the Gunnison area , while Bruce was the area manager in the Motrose area. Bruce was a very good friend of mine. no matter where we were or who was present.
, Bruce always gave thanks to God before every meal. he gave me a copy of the late great planet earth, which changed my life. based on john 11 vs 25 and 26 I know that Bruce is in heaven today . I look forward to the day when I see him again in heaven!