Bruce M. DePue

Mason, MI

Bruce Malcolm DePue was born November 21, 1931. On March 6, 2011, he made a peaceful retreat to his cabin beyond the stars. A loving husband, father and grandfather, Bruce’s greatest joy in life was having his family around him and spending time fishing with his buddies. Bruce was a graduate of Holt High school and of Alma College. As a running back at Holt, Bruce held a record for the most touchdowns scored in a single game, for which he was honored and inducted into the Holt High School Hall of Fame in October 2004. After college, Bruce served his country in the U.S. Army. Upon completing his military service, he set down roots in Mason and began his teaching career at Mason Public Schools which spanned 28 years. In addition to his teaching duties, Bruce was extremely active as a coach for both the boys and girls athletic programs, where he was affectionately known as ‘Papa Smurf’. Declining health lead Bruce to an early retirement in 1987. In 1991 he received the Gift of Life through the generosity of a heart donor. This precious gift allowed him twenty additional years with his family and friends. Bruce was preceded in death by his loving son, Bruce “Peep” Howard DePue; his parents Howard and Mina DePue; and brothers Jerry, Mahlon and Dean DePue. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Barbara DePue; children, Diane (Jack) Leonard, Gayle DePue, Pattie (Kevin) McNeilly, Jerry (Angie) Steffen, Laura Powless, Kathy Janeski, Karen (John) Kingman; as well as 22 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many special in-laws. He will especially be remembered by his fishing buddies, Mike, Chris, Jordan, Kaycie, Kevin, Kyle, Nick, Dani, Brandon, Garrett, Johnathan, Kaitlin, and Nathan. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Mason First Church of the Nazarene, 415 E. Maple, Mason, MI with the Rev. Gerhard Weigelt officiating. Interment will follow at Deepdale Cemetary in Lansing. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes (Ball Dunn Chapel), 621 S. Jefferson, Mason, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Those desiring may make contributions to the Children’s Miracle Network, c/o Sparrow Foundation, P.O. Box 30480, Lansing, Michigan 48909, in memory of Bruce Howard DePue or please consider the Gift of Life by being an organ donor, in memory of Bruce.

Online condolences may be made at: www.gorslineruncimanmason.com