Bruce E. Brakel

Bruce Brakel, age 75, a lifelong resident of Traverse City, Michigan, died in his home on May 12, 2024.

Bruce was born in Traverse City on July 31 to Francis "Pug" Brakel and Elaine (Sporre) Brakel. Bruce's sister Faith shared that her parents were the first ones to drive on the newly paved two-lane US 31 to get Elaine to Munson for Bruce's birth.

Bruce graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1966. In October of that year, Bruce enlisted in the US Army. Bruce recently stated that before going to Vietnam, working on the family farm, and living in Traverse City was all he knew. Bruce took immense pride in being a US Army soldier. During his time in service, Bruce was the recipient of deserved commendations and was awarded the Purple Heart.
Bruce was a devoted and loving father to Brent Brakel. Brent preceded his dad in death and Bruce deeply grieved for Brent. Bruce also bereaved the deaths of his parents and his half-brother, Roger Carroll. Bruce mourned the recent passings of his appreciated lifelong friends.

Bruce is survived by his sister, Faith (Brakel) Waters, his brother-in-law, Gary Waters, and his sister-in-law, Linda Carroll, along with nieces and nephews. Bruce will be missed by his "Man Day" group, his card playing comrades, the Loose Wheels, his golfing partners, and all friends and relatives - from recent acquaintances to multi-decade relationships.

Bruce was a proud member of the Emmanuel Evangelical United Brethren Church. Bruce's sister Faith shared Reverend Raymond Roe was highly influential during their early lives. Bruce accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior when he was a teenager. Bruce's loved ones take solace in knowing the Lord is watching over him.

Pursuant to Bruce's wishes, cremation has taken place. Bruce's memorial visitation will occur at The Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City on Tuesday, June 11 at 11:00 a.m with a visitation beginning at 10 a.m. His Celebration of Life, officiated by Pastor Jim Roe, will follow. There will be a procession to Memorial Gardens for interment. Friends and family are invited to the VFW Hall on Veteran's Drive following Bruce's burial.

Rather than flowers, donations to the Wounded Warrier Project are suggested. woundedwarriorproject.org