Bruce Thomas Gleesing

Bruce Thomas Gleesing of Richland, MI


Bruce, age 71, died Monday morning, December 14, 2015 following an unexpected diagnosis of cancer.

Bruce, the son of Herbert and Loretta (Lambeseder) Gleesing, was born in Kalamazoo, MI on March 12, 1944; was a lifetime area resident and a 1961 graduate of Comstock High School. As a child, Bruce worked in his mother's restaurant, Loretta's Lunch, located in Kalamazoo. After 4 years of honorable service in the United States Air Force, he began driving a truck for Imperial Beverage Company. He then owned and operated North Shore Party Store and managed the Prairieville Township Park. Bruce retired in 2011 from the Gull Lake School System after serving the district as a custodian. He enjoyed his work, mostly, because of the people he would meet and all the friends he made during his lifetime. Bruce followed Detroit's sports, especially the Tigers, Lions and Red Wings; spending time with family and friends and bowling at Richland Lanes.

Bruce was united in marriage to his "True Love," Clara "Kay" Willson in Comstock on March 29, 1975 and she sadly preceded him in death on October 9, 1993. Together they had a daughter, Jennifer L. (Jeffrey) Bever of Delton, MI; a son, Kevin T.W. (Marie) Gleesing of Plainwell and a step-son, Marty D. (Marge) Nemec of East Jordan, MI. Bruce leaves to mourn his loss, four beautiful granddaughters who have kept him busy and entertained! Also surviving is his sister, Leona Slye of Comstock; a brother, Donald Gleesing of Lyons, CO; seven wonderful extended grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Bruce was also preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Carol Junker and by two brothers, Dale and Roger Gleesing.

The Funeral Service to celebrate Bruce's life will be held on Saturday, December 19th at 1:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89), with the Rev. Robert G. Muirhead of Battle Creek, officiating. Family and friends will continue to celebrate Bruce's life immediately following the Service at the Richland Lanes, 9900 East D Avenue (M-89). Bruce's family will greet friends on Friday, December 18th from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, December 22nd at 11:00 a.m. in Prairieville (Township) Cemetery, Delton with the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard bestowing military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bruce's honor may be directed to the Delton Kellogg Education Fund, P.O. Box 124, Delton, MI 49046 or the Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation, 11775 East D Avenue, Richland, MI 49083.