Bruce K Bockstanz

Bruce BockstanzBruce Bockstanz, age 86 of Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, June 26, 2008. Husband of Marian, father of Dianne, Jim, Dave, Paul and Jerry. Grandfather of Julie, Jennifer, Mary, Charlie, Chuck, Katy, Elizabeth, John, Patrick, Garrett, Ashlyn and Nicholas. Great-grandfather of A.J., Gabriella, Samantha, Breyton, Ainsley and Reece. Son of Sidney and Vyrene Bockstanz, brother of John and Ruth. Member of Grosse Pointe Rotary since 1952, Club President in 1966-67. Member of Detroit Executives Association, Grosse Pointe Senior Men's Club, American Legion, Commander of Post 372 in 2000, Grosse Pointe Woods Historical Commission, Yankee Air Force and founding member of Grosse Pointe Woods Presbyterian Church. Co-owner of Bockstanz Brothers Company, a family owned cleaning supplies business. Bruce worked for 50 years with Bockstanz Brothers in both sales and executive roles. Attended Grosse Pointe High School where he lettered in baseball, basketball and football. Bruce was the 1940 senior class president. Attended Oberlin College before enlisting in the Army Air Corps in 1943. After World War II Bruce attended University of Michigan where he majored in Business Administration. World War II veteran, served as a Navigator on the B17 Silver Slipper in the Army Air Corps, 96th Bomb Group in Europe. Bruce flew seven missions before being shot down in Germany and spent ten months in a German Prison camp before being liberated. Bruce remained in close contact with his B17 crew and his fellow prisoners of war. Bruce and Marian married in 1947 and resided in the Grosse Pointes their entire lives. Together they became involved with many activities including Indian Guides, Little League Baseball, Tennis, Golf, American Field Service, vacationing with the Nomad Travel Club, family genealogy and the Yankee Air Force. Memorial contributions may be made in the name of Bruce Bockstanz to the Grosse Pointe Woods Presbyterian Church, 19950 Mack, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan 48236, or Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 36366, Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan 48236. A Memorial service will be held on Monday, June 30th at Grosse Pointe Woods Presbyterian Church, 19950 Mack, Grosse Pointe Woods Funeral Home: R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services-Harper 15251 Harper Ave. Detroit, MI US 48224