Bruce A. Brodmerkel

Bruce A. Brodmerkel, 84, of Chicora, died on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Quality Life Services Sugarcreek.  The chains that held Bruce to this earth have broken and he is free to join his beloved wife, Donna and eldest son, Bruce Richard.

Bruce was born at home in New Kensington on October 24, 1935. He was the oldest son of the late Richard and Margaret (Schwartz) Brodmerkel. He was raised with his sister, Carole Brodmerkel, age 81, of Saxonburg and a little brother, Jon “Butch” who unfortunately died in 2003.

He left high school after 10th grade when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving from 1952 to 1956. He served as quartermaster on the USS Heermann. He was a Korean War veteran. Bruce often stated that the military had a big and positive effect on his life overall. 

Bruce met the love of his life, the former Donna Jameson, in 1956. The couple were married on May 24, 1957.  The Brodmerkels were married for 51 years and had five children.  Mrs. Brodmerkel preceded Bruce in death on June 25, 2008.

Bruce had beem active in several organizations. He was a lifetime member at St Paul's Community Church. He served as an elder and was on the Consistory. He was a member of the Chicora American Legion for over sixty years and faithfully participated in the legion’s funeral honor guard.  He was long time member of the Chicora Moose Lodge. He loved to go to the Chicora Senior Center to play cards and be with his friends.

Bruce enjoyed mowing grass, basking in the sunshine and practical jokes, but his passion was hunting, and especially enjoyed several hunting trips to Wyoming.. He was an excellent marksman who at one time owned over 36 guns.  He taught his three sons and seven grandsons to hunt and had many good hunts with them. He was very proud that he hadn't shot anything that you couldn't eat, except for groundhogs.

Some of his fondest memories were mentored hunts with his grandsons. He, in recent years, hunted with his son-in-law Eric Kwasnicka who worked very hard to keep Bruce hunting. He came up with different shelters so his father-in-law was comfortable hunting. Eric helped Bruce have his last hunt this past fall.

Bruce was employed at Witco and Sonneborn in Petrolia for 40 years. He began working there in 1957 and retired in 1997.  Bruce did not write a best seller, nor did he become famous, but to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, he was the sun and the stars. He was loved very much by all who knew him.

Bruce leaves behind to cherish his memory four children: Chris Brodmerkel and his wife Rebeca of Homassa, Florida;  Curt Brodmerkel and his wife Rhiannon, of Karns City; Beth Beeler and her husband Dick, of Saxonburg; and Lori Kwasnicka and her husband Eric, of Louisville, Ohio;  nine grandchildren Kate Brodmerkel and her fiancé, Vinnie Bushmire, Kevin Brodmerkel, Chris and Julia Brodmerkel, Ryan Delaney and his wife, Jessica, Nathan Delaney and his wife, Tiffany,  Zachary Kwasnicka and his wife, Danielle, Tyler Kwasnicka and his wife, Sarah, and Joshua Kwasnicka and his wife, Logan; six great granddaughters, Alexia, Kasey, Elizabeth, Bailey, Addison and Emma, and a great grandson, Greyson, and was looking forward to the birth of his eighth great grandchild in July. Also surviving is his sister, Carole E. Brodmerkel of Saxonburg, a nephew, Tom Moore of Daytona Beach, Florida; two nieces, Molly Ann Drumm of Harbor Oaks, Florida and Melissa Bennett of Brookville; a daughter-in-law, Judy Brodmerkel of New Alexandria; his special friend, Connie Collier of Chicora, as well as many many friends, and lastly, DJ Maui, his much loved Siamese cat. 

In addition to his parents, wife, and brother, he was preceded in death by his oldest son, Bruce R.  Brodmerkel, who died on July 18, 2019.

Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora Fenelton Rd., Chicora, from 2:00 -8:00 p.m. Wednesday and on Thursday from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. at St. Paul’s Community Church, 2167 Route 268, Chicora.  A funeral service will be held from the church at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Jonathan J. Jensen, church pastor, officiating.  Military honors accorded by the Chicora, Brady’s Bend, and East Brady and American Legion Posts will follow the funeral service at the church.  Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery.  Memorial contributions in Mr. Brodmerkel’s name may be made to St. Paul’s Community Church, 2167 Route 268, Chicora, PA 16025.  For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.       

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