"My mother Carey Gretzinger Brisson worked for Bruce as a secretary at UW-GB. My mom shared many great memories of her career assisting Bruce. My Uncle Jeff Gretzinger had just informed me and I wanted to share my deepest condolences with your wonderful family. "
In loving memory of
Bruce Michael Ehr
July 14, 1930 - June 9, 2012
Madison - Bruce Michael Ehr went to be with the Lord on June 9, 2012. Bruce was born in Milwaukee on July 14, 1930 to Michael and Ella (Neuens) Ehr. He graduated from Riverside High School, Milwaukee in 1948 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Milton College in 1955; a Master's degree from The University of Wisconsin - Madison in 1957; and completed graduate studies at Kansas State University. An educator all his life, Bruce spent the last eighteen years of his professional occupation as Director of Career and Placement Services at the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay.
Bruce was united in marriage to Rosemary Maurer on August 14, 1954 in East Lutheran Church, Wiota, Wisconsin. He is survived by his beloved wife Rosemary; his son Chris (Jamie) Ehr of Longmont, Colorado; his daughter Jane (John) Vandreuil; and grandchildren Nicholas and Kristine Vandreuil, Christina, Elizabeth and Joshua Ehr. The youngest of eight children he also is survived by a brother Donald Ehr of Mukeltao, Washington and many nieces and nephews.
Bruce greatly enjoyed traditional family gatherings in Yellowstone Park each summer as well as visits from both families to Fort Meyers Beach, Florida each winter. Bruce and Rosemary traveled extensively. They made several trips to Switzerland to visit extended family there. He loved all sports, especially his Green Bay Packers, University of Wisconsin Badgers and the Milwaukee Brewers. There was little he enjoyed more than rehashing the games with his grandchildren.
Bruce loved people and was a loyal constant friend to many, in particular his grade school pals Jack Mueller and George Schneck; his Evansville faculty - friends Bob and Carolyn Kleinfeldt and Jack (deceased) and Helen Martin; and his Hilldale buddies Elmo and Bob.
Bruce led a faith driven life. He was a long-time member of Bethel Lutheran Church of Madison. His faith carried him through many health crises and medical challenges. His family wishes to acknowledge and express their gratitude to the family from Green Bay who donated a kidney to Bruce in 1984 and to Drs. Joseph Bellissimo, Suresh Chandra, Robert Olson all of Madison and Dr. Jeremy Green of Green Bay. A special thank you to Chris of Bergmann Pharmacy also is extended by Bruce's family.
Bruce you were the kindest and gentlest man we have ever known. Thank you for always sharing your love with Rosemary, Chris and Jane. You were the best Husband, Father and Grandfather in the world. Continue to watch over us and guide us with your loving spirit.
A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 14, 2012 followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison. Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association, South Towne Office Park - Building 4, 6400 Gisholt Drive, Suite 213, Monona, WI 53713 or to UW Hospital & Clinics, (Kidney Transplant Fund) Attn: Colleen Fraser, 600 Highland Ave., H4/810, Madison, WI 53792-8350.
Tributes
"I was a UWGB accounting graduate in 1975 ( a recession year) and I still did not have a job as we got close to finals. The week of finals my then boyfriend ( now husband) got in a serious car accident and almost died. I had an interview scheduled that week and as you may have guessed was a little frazzled with my boyfriend in intensive care. I found out later that without telling me, Bruce had called the company I was interviewing with to tell them of my situation so that they would take that into consideration if I had problems with the interview. I got the job, still am here and now VP-Controller of a Fortune 500 company. Thanks to Bruce for caring about my success. He was a special man. "
"Rosemary and family, what wonderful memories we have of Albert Drive and you and Bruce. We were truly blessed to call the Ehr's our neighbors. My favorite memory is that Bruce, "adopted" our daughter Ali when we moved next door. She was only 4 at the time, and full of questions, but he was so patient with her. "Helping" him cut the grass was a favorite activity, as was talking about your shoe tree! Bruce was a very special man, and both Jeff and I feel very lucky to have been in his life, even for a short time. Becky and Jeff Kropidlowski "
"Rosemary, we were so sad to learn about Bruce's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers, as are Jane and Chris and their families. I can still see Bruce out in the yard working to eradicate every last dandelion! You were such wonderful neighbors and it was an honor to "inherit" your house and be its tender keepers for a while. Love, Sandy and Mike Kraft"
"Dear Rosemary, I was sad to read in the GB Press-Gazette this morning the news of your husband Bruce's death. My deepest condolences to you and your children and grandchildren. I only met Bruce a couple times during the years you and I taught together at Lombardi Junior High, but I remember him as a kind and friendly man who loved his wife and kids very much. May your many memories and God's love sustain you at this sad time. Your former music colleague, Sue McAllister"