"Bruce was the most selfless person I have ever met. He was always willing to go out of his way to help out a friend. I remember the time he baked cupcakes for my daughter's birthday. He was an amazing baker and I am pretty sure he could have owned his own bakery. He always remembered my birthday and I will never forget when he brought to work a giant rice krispie treat (my favorite!) to celebrate it. He had a heart of gold and a great sense of humor. I will truly miss him and am forever grateful to have had him in my life. "
In loving memory of
Bruce William Bahneman
Passed away after enduring 3 spine surgeries in the past year until a final diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gehrigs disease) on November 6. Bruce went into hospice care on November 12 and passed away December 22, 2013, after a long and difficult journey. In his 47 years he acquired a wealth of friends as was witnessed by many, many visitors that he had during his illness. He is survived by parents Kathy and Jerry, brothers Carl (Susan) and Machael, nephews Jake and Max, grandmother Veronica Hosster, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and many other relatives and friends.
Many thanks to the wonderful staff at Froedtert Spinal Injury unit as well as the caring staff at Aurora VNA Zilber Hospice. He will be sorely missed by family and friends for his loving, caring and willingness to do anything for anybody.
Visitation at the Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Friday, December 27, 4:00-6:45 PM. Funeral Service 7:00 PM.
Tributes
"Bruce "Mr.Wonderful"or "Jerk" as we always referred to each other, went from the guy in the white van waiting for work, to Kathy's son, to dear friend in just a few short months. He was always there for me. He was quick to offer a hand, a ride, an ear to listen,or simply send me a text calling me a jerk! I had the privilege to have so many memories with him. But one in particular stands out. Bruce had just moved into his parents house to recover from surgery. Kathy was nice enough to bring Bruce and I some spaghetti for dinner and offered me a beer. Once we were finished Bruce with a big smile on his face looked over at me and said " watch this" and picked up his cell phone. He proceeded to make a call which turned out to be Kathy and Jerry's home phone. I could hear Kathy answer from the other room with the sound of confusion in her voice. Bruce said "Hey! Where's the dessert?!?!" Kathy laughed and brought us some ice cream bars. I will truly miss him, and will try my best to keep Kathy on her toe's like he did. "
""Uncle Bruce" he was someone we got to know and love over the past four years as his neighbor. Sharing laughs, good food, and Coors light are memories that we will always cherish. Smile big fella and know that you are truly loved by the Howland family."
"I'm truly sorry to see Bruce leave this world. His smile and sunny disposition will leave a long lasting impact on anyone who knew him.
My deepest sympathies to his family in this time of need."
"When I first started at Kinex, Bruce was the first person who made it a point to say hello to me. He was such a nice guy and will be missed greatly"
"Bruce was a terrific man. RIP."
"Dear Bahneman Family, Bruce has been a part of our lives for as long as we can remember. He was in our wedding and remained a very close and good friend to the end. We have been beside him on this painful journey that he had to endure in the days leading up to his final passing. Our hearts are extended to all of you. Please know how loved your son & brother was by us and many others who knew him. He will forever be our Christmas angel watching over all of us. We loved Bruce like family and miss him now and forever. God Bless all of you in this extremely difficult time of acceptance of Bruce's eternal life. xo"