A member of the Greatest Generation, Bruce Forrest Wadel was a family man, father, husband, optimist and life leader. While it’s difficult to measure the impact of someone’s life, the measure of an individual may be seen by the indelible impression left on family, friends and the community.
Born in Wyoming, Michigan, on June 27, 1920, Bruce moved to Ludington in the 1930s with his parents Claude Forrest and Frieda Elizabeth Wadel (Schwenter) and siblings Bill, Adele and Jerry.
Upon graduation from Marquette University in 1942, with a degree in Civil Engineering, he elected to join the U.S. Navy and was sent to train and prepare for World War II. Using his engineering skills, he was quickly elevated to the rank of Lt. Commander and was sent to the South Pacific (New Guinea) where he was the youngest commander in the region overseeing a military base and staging for the thousands of troops in the area.
Bruce was known as an outstanding problem solver; bridge builder (having constructed more than 18 structures across the state of Michigan) and a relationship builder.
Over the years, he and his wife of 54 years eagerly welcomed friends and family into their lives and home often saying to guests “after the first 15 minutes you are members of the family.” Visitors will tell you those were not just words, they meant it.
A member of St. Simon Catholic Church since 1932, and a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, Bruce served in numerous capacities supporting the parish and school including the St. Simon school board, the parish council and choir. In addition, he was president of the Mason County Red Cross and a 5-gallon blood donor.
A longtime hunter and outdoorsman, who set his calendar by the first day of deer season, Bruce was just a high school student when in 1935 he was among the founding members of the Fin and Feather Club of Mason County. In an initiative with Mason County Wetlands Association done in conjunction with Ducks Unlimited, he led the construction of the “Duck Observation Deck” along U.S. Highway 31 which was funded by a grant through the Department of Natural Resources. In addition, his company built the Pere Marquette Shrine in Buttersville.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents; wife Virginia Daugherty Wadel; brothers Bill and Jerry, and sister Adele Maddox. He is survived by his children Joan Wadel, Peter Wadel (Ingrid), Janet Bulger (Jack), Mike Wadel, Katie Crawford (Mike), Susan Sizemore (Mike), Mary Pat Dunleavy (Kevin), 15 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, more than a 100 nieces and nephews as well as his companion Jean Covell.
As Bruce held family in high esteem, the Wadel family is in turn committed to paying his legacy forward. As an alternative to flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Ludington Area Catholic Education Fund, St. Simon Food Pantry, the Fin and Feather Club or Harbor Hospice.
In addition, they ask that you celebrate life like Bruce did. He rode a jet ski at the age of 79, flew a glider plane in his early 90s and lived for celebrating special moments with family and friends.
On Friday, March 25, from 4-6 p.m., the Wadel family will host an open house for family and friends at 715 N. Lakeshore Drive. The funeral service to celebrate the life of Bruce Wadel will be held Saturday, March 26 at 10 a.m. at St. Simon Catholic Church (Ludington, Mich.) with visitation one hour prior. Father Wayne Wheeler will officiate. Burial will take place at Pere Marquette Catholic Cemetery in Ludington.