Bruce, William D.

Bill passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 11, 2022, in LakeForest, IL. He was 93 years young. Born in Monmouth, IL on September 16, 1928. He was the youngestson of Harley and Patti (nee Carratt), deceased. Predeceased by his beloved wife of 37 plus years, Patricia(nee Giertsen), his sister, Dr. Patricia Payne, and his brother, Robert E. Bruce.He is survived by his three children with his first wife Vivian Bruce, Susan (Douglas) Pomatto, Beverly (Richard) Leach and David (Merideth) Bruce. Also, five stepchildren, Melville Lackie, Scott (Lura) Lackie, Jeff (Anne) Lackie, Robert (Lucy) Lackie and Lori Lemme. Collectively, he and Pat had 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren and who affectionately called him “Papa” He is also survived by eight nieces and a nephew. Bill was a loving family man and generous with his big, blended family. He possessed a wonderful dry wit. Disciplined and sharp as a tack up to his final days. Bill was proud to be a graduate of Northwestern University. Bill also served in the army where his first daughter was born. In 1954 he joined his father and brother at H. N. Bruce & Associates and Employees Life Company (now ELCO Mutual Life & Annuity). He was a consulting actuary and in 1973 he and his brother purchased H. N. Bruce &

Associates from their father and renamed it Bruce and Bruce Company. It was the second oldest family controlled actuarial company until they sold it in 2018. Concurrently, he became ELCO’s second president, succeeding his father and held the position for 43 years. He and his brother Bob, having been residents of Lake Bluff since 1952 and 1962 respectively, decided to build the Home Office of their companies in 1979. His continued to make valuable contributions as he worked up to the final year of his life. He was proud to be at ELCO’s 75 th anniversary. Bill was a sports enthusiast having played baseball and a young man. He was an avid Cubs fan but also a White Sox (wife Pat’s favorite team) fan. He followed Northwestern football, Da Bears, and Bulls. His love for golf was undeniable and Pat took up the game due to his enthusiasm. He continued to play well into eighties. The family wishes to thank his friends at Lake Forest Place which includes the famous “Breakfast Club”. We also wish to thank his caretakes the past few months, Kim Jones, Teresita Smith, Adriana Moland and Diana Hernandez. Last but not least, his dear friends and pastors Mark and Tracy Hindman. A memorial service is planned for the summer at the Union Church in Lake Bluff. An announcement willbe made at a later date at the Union Church in Lake Bluff, IL. Bill would request that in lieu of flowers,contributions be made to the Union Church 525 E. Prospect Ave., Lake Bluff IL 60044.

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