Norris A. Bruce

Norris A. Bruce, 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 surrounded by his family. Norris was born in Rochester, Indiana to C. Eldon and Alyce E. (Norris) Bruce. On August 3, 1957, he married Catherine A. Kronewitter and they were married for 56 years until her passing in 2013.

Norris grew up in South Bend, Indiana and was a proud 1954 graduate of South Bend Central High School.

In his younger years, Norris loved spending summers on his grandmother’s farm in Kewanna, Indiana. This is what gave him his love for collecting toy tractors.

He was a dedicated auto mechanic and a true lover of cars. He specialized in rebuilding transmissions, and his knowledge and expertise were widely recognized. He became one of the first employees for Certified Transmission in Mishawaka, Indiana and worked there until his retirement in 2006. He was one of the original members of the Club 15 of Mishawaka, Indiana and an avid bowler. He loved NASCAR races, along with following Notre Dame football.

His family meant everything, and he cherished every moment with them, especially spending summers at the cottage on Indian Lake where countless memories were made. His greatest source of joy and comfort came from his family, and he leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion that will never be forgotten.

Norris is survived by his two children, Kenneth E. (Val) Bruce of Valparaiso, Indiana and Elizabeth (Richard) E. Schneider of Granger, Indiana; six grandchildren; Ashley (Kevin) DeMaegd, Andrew Bruce, Leah (Michael) Thoma, Kyle (Lois) Schneider, Luke Schneider (fiancé, Kendall Gallagher), and Merrick Jakelski, along with his great-grandchildren, Maddux and Connor Thoma and Lily DeMaegd. Norris is also survived by his twin sister, Norrine (Arthur) McCune of Granger, Indiana. Along with his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Valerie Kelver.

To honor Norris’ wishes, cremation will take place and there will be no public service. The family will plan a celebration of life at a later date.

Contributions may be made in Norris’ memory to the Humane Society of St. Joseph County, 2506 Grape Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Posted online on May 05, 2023

Published in South Bend Tribune

05/05/2023 EJS