BRUCE A. METTLER

Bruce Allen Mettler, 71, of Lodi passed away peacefully at home on January 7, 2018. He was born to Ole and Dorothy Mettler in Lodi, California, on January 25, 1945.

Bruce graduated from Lodi High School where he was active in the FFA and served as the FFA President. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1963-1970 and married Barbara Del Haskell on July 25, 1970, soon after his return from the service. Bruce graduated from the University of California at Davis with a Bachelors degree in Agriculture Economics.

Bruce had a lifelong passion for serving the community and was actively involved in numerous civic and philanthropic organizations including: Lodi Memorial Hospital; the Lodi Grape Festival; California Future Farmers of America Foundation; the American, California and San Joaquin County Farm Bureaus; National Delegate to the American Farm Bureau Convention; the Lodi Grape Growers; the Northern California Fruit Company; Tokay Marketing Agreement; the American Legion; the San Joaquin Historical Society; the San Joaquin Partnership and Business Council; San Joaquin Council of Government Habitat Conservation Plan and Policy Committee; Tokay High School Ag Advisory Committee; and Lodi Young Farmers.

Bruce worked in farming and agriculture from the age of 14 and was active in the local 4-H group throughout high school. He was a successful

farmer in the Lodi area with an extensive background in local business, agriculture and community service. In addition to farming, Bruce’s experience included past Director and President of East Side Winery and past President of the San Joaquin County Farm Bureau. In March of 2010 he was appointed to the Board of Directors of Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California and was an active advocate for the bank. His expertise in the wine grape market, one of the bank’s largest commodity segments, combined with his academic training as an agricultural economist added great value to the board. Bruce was a significant contributor to the bank’s ongoing success.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents; Ole and Dorothy Mettler, and his wife; Barbara Del Mettler. He is survived by his children Blair Mettler and Eric Mettler, and three grandchildren: Chance, Jennifer, and Quentin. He is also survived by his sister Joan Rider and brother-in-law Richard, a niece and nephew, and a great nephew.

Friends may visit on Tuesday, January 16th from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 at Donahue Funeral Home, 123 N. School Street, Lodi and are invited to attend A Celebration of Life at Zion Lutheran Church, 105 S. Ham Lane, Lodi on Wednesday, January 17th at 11:00 a.m., Pastor Matt Duerr will officiate. A reception will immediately follow the Celebration of Life at the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, Jackson Hall, 413 E. Lockeford Street, Lodi.

Interment at Lodi Memorial Cemetery will be private at Bruce’s request.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Zion Lutheran Church, 105 S. Ham Lane, Lodi, CA 95242; Lodi House, 801 S. Washington, Lodi CA 95240; and Pregnancy Resource Center of Lodi, 942 E. Pine Street, Lodi, 95240.

Donahue Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/guestbook.