Bruce DeSpelder, Sr

Obituary Bruce Erwin DeSpelder, Sr. 19 April 1918 -2011 [Record Eagle]

If it is possible to die from a broken heart, then 93-year-old Bruce Erwin DeSpelder, Sr., did so. After burying his wife of 69 years on the 1st of July, he experienced a massive stroke in the early morning hours of the 4th.. Hospice provided comfort care at his home in Bellaire with support for his caregivers until he died on the 7th of July. His stroke and subsequent death affirm that his wish to be with his wife, Dorothy, was granted. Bruce lived his life taking care of Dorothy, especially in his later years. He was known for his dry wit and a twinkle in his eye when he "got you." Bruce Erwin DeSpelder, Sr., Captain USN-R was born on the 19th of April 1918 to Nevene Eva Katz (Tower) and Donald Canby DeSpelder in Detroit. He graduated from Southeastern High School and what later became Wayne State University, where he joined the Arab Fraternity. After earning his B.A., he maintained lifelong contact with his fraternity brothers and their families. On March 9th in 1942 he married Dorothy Jane Roediger while serving in the Navy during WWII. After tours of duty in charge of an oil tanker gun crew, Lieutenant DeSpelder became a blimp pilot hunting enemy submarines off the West Coast. Bruce obtained his MBA at the University of Michigan while becoming tenured as an associate professor of management in the business school at Wayne State. He attained his Ph.D. in 1959 at Ohio State University. His dissertation, Ratios of staff to line personnel in the automotive parts manufacturing industry, is still quoted today. In retirement, his talent and interest in words kept Bruce busy with crossword puzzles. Dawn would find him up and out after the paper and, as sleepy family members awoke, he would be sitting in the living room with his cup of coffee, donut hole, and the daily crossword. Bruce is survived by his daughter Lynne Ann DeSpelder and son-in-law Albert Lee Strickland of Capitola, California; his son Bruce DeSpelder of New Derry, Pennsylvania; and his grandchildren Matt Strickland and his wife Kelley of Caldwell, Texas, Heather Strickland Krupens and her husband, Doug of Fresno, California, Spencer DeSpelder and his fiancAC.e, Brandi Mroczek of Tempe, Arizona, and Danielle DeSpelder of Dearborn.. He also leaves six great-grandchildren, Kayla Strickland, Jocelyn and Gia Krupens, and Madeline, Kassidy, and Baron Strickland. He is also survived by cousins Joyce and Lyman Wine of Cincinnati, Ohio; Ron and Ruth Woods of Ashville, North Carolina; and Elisabeth Rindskopf Parker and her husband Bob of Sacramento, California. Many lifelong friends include Mary and Don Boegler of Harrison Township and Joann and Marne Homberg of Torch Lake and Jane Karber of Lake Bellaire. Bruce outlived his wife, Dorothy, who died suddenly on March 15th, his daughter-in-law Coleen, who died in 2001 after a lengthy battle with cancer; his neighbor Tony Schultz (2009); and all of his generation's Arab fraternity brothers and friends. The family extends gratitude to the caregivers who assisted Bruce in maintaining his independent living. Amber Carr of Kalkaska headed a homecare team that included Beth Mason, Paula Davila, and Marvelle DiNofrio of Bellaire, Paul Tate and Sue Luton of Mancelona, and Terry Ryan of Central Lake. In keeping with his Navy service during and after WWII, his private burial with full military honors provided by the Elk Rapids AmVet Post 114, will be in the DeSpelder plot at Eldred Cemetery alongside Dorothy and Coleen. Bruce enjoyed reading, especially the Wall Street Journal from the library. Contributions can be made to the Bellaire Library in his name (post office box 477, Bellaire, Michigan 49615.) Books purchased with donations will carry a bookplate in memory of Bruce and include the donor's name. Contributions also can be made to the Antrim County Commission on Aging (COA) (post office box 614, Bellaire, Michigan 49615). COA's services were essential to his living at home until the time of his death. Bruce DeSpelder loved his country, his community, and his family. In his memory, please take the time to do so yourself.