Bruce Donald Kroese
April 10, 1970 – January 12, 2021
Bruce was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on April 10, 1970, to Don and Sheryl Kroese and was the oldest of nine children. Bruce studied at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Advertising/Journalism and an MBA with an emphasis in Agribusiness. Bruce joined Union Pacific Railroad in 2000, holding several positions throughout his tenure. Bruce and Shawntell were married in 2008 and raised four kids together, Ellie, Reese, Hadley, and Landon.
Bruce was so many things to so many people. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother, and uncle; a thoughtful and trusted friend; a wise mentor. He was honest, genuine, introspective, funny, and incredibly generous, and wise. Bruce loved spending time with his family and attending his kids’ activities. Bruce approached everything in life with an innate curiosity. He was always thinking deeply to find the meaning, the history, and the facts no matter what the topic and challenged those around him to do the same. Bruce was the first one to volunteer to pick up the tab at a restaurant or give to others in need. He offered wisdom and a unique perspective to anyone asking his advice. Bruce had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh; his unique ‘giggle’ was endearing.
Bruce was a man of strong faith; he loved God and he tried to live in a way that was pleasing to the Lord. Bruce will be missed tremendously by all those who knew and loved him.
Preceded in death by grandparents, Harlan & Goldie Doeschot, Marius & Gladys Kroese; sister, Katherine Kroese. Survived by wife, Shawntell, daughters: Ellie Pichler, Reese Pichler, Hadley Kroese; son, Landon Kroese; parents, Don & Sheryl Kroese; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tim & Pam Hurtgen; brothers, Kase (Alison) Kroese, Zach Kroese; sisters: Angie Kroese, Rebecca (Ryan) Revis, Deborah (Dusty) Fahrnbruch, Hannah (Jon) Jessen, Abigail (Joseph) Harris, Gretchen (Will) Haer; many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation Sunday, Jan 17th 2:00-4:00 PM. Funeral Monday, Jan 18th at 11:00 AM all at Christ Community Church, 404 S. 108 St. in Omaha, NE. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park. Bruce loved watching his children’s activities. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting any memorials be made to the family to support his children’s activities. https://gofund.me/166ee374
For those not attending in person, the funeral will be live-streamed. To view the live broadcast of the Services, go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click on the “View Live Service” button on the home page.
41 Comments
Our deepest condolences go out to Shawntell and the family. I have many great memories of Bruce from the past. Smart, funny guy that we had many great laughs with. He is missed!
Sincerely,
Jim & Mandi Sedlak
I am so sorry to hear the news. I am high school friend of Bruce’s and wanted to send my condolences on his passing.
My deepest condolences to the Kroese family. Bruce and I were best friends in HighSchool and college. We all hung out together a lot and I’m grateful for the time we spent together and the jokes and laughter we shared. Bruce will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
Shawntell, we fell so sad for the much to early loss of Bruce. Keeping you and the entire family in our prayers during this very difficult time.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending prayers for healing.
I am so sorry for your loss I didn’t know bruce that well when we went to school together but I remember hie had a wonderful sense of humor .
Shawntell and family,
I was so sorry to hear about your loss. I hope that your memories of past good times together will comfort all of you now and in the future.
My heart breaks for Shawntell and the children. I pray that the memories of Bruce and his love for you endures and sustains you through this incredibly difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Wishing you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
I am so incredibly sad at this huge loss of such a wonderful person. Please know that Shawntell, his beautiful children and extended family are in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so incredibly sorry for your family’s loss. Sending many prayer to your family.
Shawntell and family, my heart and prayers are abound for you. I have such great memories of working with Bruce. He was the best listener and had good feedback to give. He loved you and the life you created together. I am so proud of you and I know you have the strength to get through the days to come. Sweet blessing to my dear Shawntell
I was so sorry to hear about Bruce’s passing. I know this is a very sad and difficult time for you and your family. You have my very deepest sympathy..
Shawntell, I am a cousin to Bruce’s grandfather, Harlan Doeschot. Harlan was so proud of Bruce, and he would often talk about Bruce when we visited him. He would tell us when he went up to Omaha to celebrate birthdays or a holiday. We felt as if we knew Bruce and the honorable person he was after hearing his Grandpa Doeschot brag about him. He loved his first grandson. He appreciated that Bruce stayed in touch with him. Our prayers are with you, Shawntell and children, Don and Sheryl, and all of Bruce’s siblings.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
It is with my deepest condolences to the family of Bruce. We are all saddened to hear of his passing. Once a Titan always a Titan.
My sympathy to your family.
A tragic event for the family and friends. Bruce was a great man and will be missed by all who knew him.
So sad to learn of Bruce’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to Shawntell and family.
Many thoughts and continued prayers for your family. So very sorry for your loss.
Our deepest condolences go out to Shawntell and the family during this difficult time.
Looking back on knowing Bruce all through grade school, all I have are fond memories, mostly involving laughter. Things always seemed more bright when Bruce was around. He was kind, caring, sensitive, supportive, and would help ease painful times through humor. I know I am fortunate to have had a friend in Bruce through my childhood, and I know that anyone who got to know him in his adult life would consider themselves at least as fortunate. I am sorry for your pain. I know Bruce will be missed.
Shawntell, we are so sorry for the loss of your loved one…you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know Bruce through his work – his professionalism and positive demeanor made it a pleasure to know him. I wish his entire family strength during the difficult days ahead. God bless
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our prayers.
Sending love and prayers to your family. Bruce was an incredible man and we are thankful to have known him. We are incredibly sorry for your loss.
Cathie, Sam, Joe and Alexis Ogdie want to express out deep sadness to Shawntell and the family. We loved Bruce deeply.
My condolences to the entire Kroese family, especially Shawntell and the kids. I worked with Bruce at the Daily Nebraskan in college and got to see him periodically over the years. Bruce was a pleasure to be around as he always fostered real and legitimate conversations which I respected greatly. He will be missed. May God Bless you all and comfort you during this trying time.
I am so sorry for your loss Shawntell, Don, Sheryl and all of the family. Bruce will be greatly missed and my prayers and thoughts are with you all.
I would like to give my condolences to all of Bruce’s Family. I met Bruce in college and he was part of the group of guys I hung out with quite a bit and talked sports, girls and everything else with. Bruce ALWAYS had a strong opinion and you had better be able to defend any position you took on any subject or Bruce would explain why you were wrong! In the past few years we haven’t seen each other much but he did come on his PIUS X buddies 50th birthday trip to Chicago. I was glad he did! He is gone way too soon and he will be missed. Shawntell, I live in Omaha so if you need anything please reach out to me.
We were so sorry to hear of your family suffering from Covid-19 symptoms and Bruce’s death. We know how close Caleb is to your family and have prayed for each of you during this difficult time. “May the Lord command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 With love, Dick and Linda French (Caleb’s grandparents)
I was so deeply sadden to hear of Bruce’s passing. He was thoughtful, genuine and caring in everything he did. I feel very fortunate to have known him. I’m so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Shawntell and family, Peggy and I are so sorry to learn of you loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.
Bill and Peggy Swanson
As a friend of Bruce’s parents, my heart goes out to all of the family of this special and much loved man. This past year has taken many good people too soon. My deepest condolences to all who knew and loved him.
My deepest condolences go out to Shawntell and all of Bruce’s family, friends, and loved ones. He was a truly kind man and has been taken way too soon. My heart goes out to all of you, and I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Shawntell and Family, I’m saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing. God bless you all, you are in my prayers.
Shawntell and Family. Our prayers and sympathies to you all. I had the pleasure of working with Bruce over the years. When we broke from our business discussions, and moved on to social hour, Bruce’s conversations were always focused on you and your children and how happy he was with his family time and children’s activities. You were the center of his world,. May God comfort you in your loss
Shawntell, what a terrible loss. I enjoyed getting to know both you and Bruce through work, and you both spoke so affectionately about your family. Thinking of you.
Sheryl and Don I am heartbroken for you at this time of great loss. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Shawntell, I just learned about Bruce. My heart goes out to you and your family. My interactions with Bruce at the UP were always good and so professional. I will pray for all of you and hope that your memories and love will help you get through this unbelievably difficult time in your life. Take care, Barbara O’Neill
Shawntell – I just heard about this. I am so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in my heart and prayers.
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