Obit: Neuenfeldt, Bruce Edward (1945 - 2009) 

Contact: Stan

Surnames: Neuenfeldt, Plank, Barrett, Obama, Waterman, Vanderschaegen, Reith, Stephens, Meric-Vance 
 

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wood County, Wis.) Saturday, 19 Sept. 2009 
 

Neuenfeldt, Bruce Edward (9 Aug. 1945 - 11 July 2009) 
 

FALL CREEK -- Bruce Edward Neuenfeldt, 63, of Fall Creek, died Saturday, July 11, 2009, at Harbor House in Eau Claire from complications of Alzheimer's disease. 
 

He was born in Neillsville on Aug. 9, 1945, to Charles and Dorothy (Plank) Neuenfeldt. He attended elementary and high schools in Spencer. He graduated from Wisconsin State University-River Falls in 1967 with a bachelor of science in education degree. Bruce married Kaye Lorraine Barrett on May 27, 1967, in Spooner. 
 

He taught history and social studies at Stanley-Boyd from 1967 to 2000, where he also served on several committees -- both to improve the curriculum for students, and to improve the status of teachers. Bruce was always a champion of the underdog and strongly supported the American Civil Liberties Union. He was so happy that he lived long enough to help elect a black president. He called Barack Obama "My Man!" 
 

He also taught hunter safety with Len Madsen in Fall Creek for many years. Bruce was a lover of nature and hunting. It was not uncommon for Bruce and his dogs to hike more than 10 miles in a single walk. He was also a supporter of The Nature Conservancy. 
 

He was a wonderful husband and father, always wanting to spend time with family -- traveling, hiking, bowling and most of all watching his sons grow into young men. 
 

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, John and Meric-Vance (Rick). 
 

He is survived by his wife, Kaye; two sons, Ruark and Tyrell, both of Fall Creek; one brother, Robert (Sharon) Neuenfeldt of Somerset; sister-in-law, Faye Neuenfeldt of Menomonie; mother-in-law, Lorraine Barrett of Trego; brothers-in-Iaw, Dean (Nancy) Barrett and Robert (Kathy) Barrett, both of Trego; sisters-in-law, Sue (Robert) Stephens of Eau Claire and Lisa Barrett of Minocqua; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, three great-nephews; and good friends, Frank (Jean) Reith of Stanley, Don (Mary) Vanderschaegan of Thorp and Rod (Jo) Waterman of Chippewa Falls. 
 

Bruce chose to have his body donated to MedCure for use by students attending medical school. 
 

In accordance with his wishes, a "good-bye party" will be held for him at Wagner's Bowling Lanes on Hastings Way in Eau Claire on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the afternoon. Anyone who wants to come and bowl, eat and remember Bruce is welcome.