My Dad, Bruce “Papa” W. Secor passed away at home on Friday November 28^th after a short fight with cancer. Mom and I were at his side.  My Dad was born May 7, 1941 in LaCrosse to Robert and Lilly Bell (Nagel) Secor Sr. and grew up on the north side of LaCrosse. Dad was named after Batman by his older brother Jr.

On June 9, 1962 Dad married the love of his life, Patricia “Pat” Gartner in Onalaska. This year they celebrated 52 years of marriage. They were blessed with arrival of my brother Bruce Jr. and me.

Dad truly loved my Mom. He always made sure she had flowers for her birthday and their anniversary. He made a point each year to remind my brother and me of her birthday and mother’s day. He always said “remember your mother” and he told my sons that too. There was always a kiss goodnight and a kiss goodbye.

Dad worked for Luther High School as their Custodian for 29 years. He loved interacting with the students and staff at Luther. They appreciated him and that appreciation showed in cards and visits from the students and staff this past spring while Dad was in the hospital and at Bethany Riverside.

Dad worked for Copps Company (Kmart Foods) for many years and at the same time worked part time for Flynn’s Auto Trim. My Dad worked hard and instilled in me that if you want something you need to work for it.

Dad loved his weekends and mini vacations to Chetek with me and Charlie. Many hours on the pontoon fishing and keeping any size fish because he knew Charlie would clean them anyway.   He made many friends at the resort as well as around town.

Dad loved being a Grandpa.   First came his Chadder and then came his Jer Bear. Yes, both nicknamed by Dad.  Dad liked to show them how to fix and tinker with things.  They could sit and talk for hours.  Dad was very proud of Chad and Jeremy.  When I remarried I brought four more grandsons into the family for Dad. Nathan, Matt, Ryan and Dylan.

Survivors include his wife, Pat; daughter Tamie (Charlie) Batzel, grandsons Chad (Melissa), Jeremy (Jamyee)Hasz, Nathan, Matt, Ryan (Katie Radke) and Dylan Batzel. His siblings Sherry (Tom dec) Rhomburg, John Secor, Melva (Roger) Hanson, Bonnie Fisher. Sister in laws Kathy (Harlan dec) Secor, Janice (Robert Jr dec) Secor and a brother in law Jim (Marge dec) Hellerude. Also survived by Pat’s siblings, Rita Gartner, Charles (Mary) Gartner, Vicki (Virgil) Skinner, Becky (Bob) Doucet, Dawn (Greg) Hohlfeld, and Terry Gartner. Two great grand babies coming next year, special nephews and nieces, along with many cousins.

Dad was met in heaven by his son, Bruce Jr, his parents, a sister and two brothers.

Love you to Heaven and back Dad.

A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, December 6^th, from 4-6pm with a service by Pastor Bill Bader at 6pm at Coulee Region Cremation Group in Onalaska.  Please bring along pictures you may have of Dad and share your stories.