Bruce Edward Hein, age 59, of Merrill, left this world suddenly and went to be with his Heavenly Father on March 21, 2021. Bruce was born on March 27, 1961, in Clintonville. After graduating Culinary school, Bruce went on to be a chef, and his passion for adventure took him across the United States working as a head chef and manager at restaurants in Lake Tahoe, Calif.; Reno, Nev.; and several other locations before returning to Appleton, Wis., where he met his wife, Carol Skic. On May 15, 1993, Bruce married Carol. In 1999, they adopted Aleksander, and in 2004, they adopted Ivan. Bruce was a jack of all trades and loved woodworking. He built his own home for his family. Bruce was employed at Semco in Merrill, Marathon Cheese, and most recently as a truck driver for Karl’s Transport of Antigo. Bruce enjoyed driving and was especially proud of his tractor-trailer that honors God and country. Bruce loved gardening, canning, cooking, grilling, entertaining family and friends, and sitting around a bonfire listening to loud classic rock. Every Spring he took his sons to spear fish in Manawa and spent time with his best friend, Billy Brennan. Bruce enjoyed teaching his sons how to hunt. Last summer Bruce and Aleksander went on a dream ride to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Bruce rode his motorcycle every day that he could. He loved to take Carol on rides, poker runs all over Wisconsin. Bruce supported his sons and faithfully cheered them on at their sporting events. Bruce was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and served as an elder. Bruce was outgoing and enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends wherever he went. He lived life to its fullest and will be missed by many family and friends.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Carol Hein (nee Skic) and his sons, Aleksander Hein and Ivan Hein. He is also survived by mother Marjorie Hicks, Clintonville; sisters Jane Hein, Clintonville, and Sally (Peter) Sajdak, Freedom; nephews Matthew Sajdak and Eric (Abby) Sajdak; mother-in-law Marie Skic; brothers- in-law Stanley (Julie) Skic, Matthew (Holly) Skic, Mark (Nina) Skic, Walter (Brenda) Skic, and Luke (Michelle) Skic; and sisters-in-law Mary Calmes, Rose (Calvin) Skic-Wilson, and Louise (Mike) Hackel. Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Arlyn Hein, and his brother, Kevin Hein.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2021, (which would have been Bruce’s 60th birthday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, Merrill. The funeral service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church at 1:00 p.m. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.