Bruce S. Sim

Bruce S. Sim, age 76, of Neenah, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on July 3, 2023. Bruce was born on March 26, 1947 in Elmhurst, Illinois to George Sim, III and Rose (Zuhse) Sim. He was a graduate of Appleton High School, Class of 1965. After graduation he served his country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. After his honorable discharge from the Marines, he continued his education at Fox Valley Tech in Appleton where he studied to become a Firefighter.

He started his career as a Firefighter in 1974 and worked with Appleton Fire Department and he retired in 2001, retiring with the rank of Captain.  After retirement from the Fire Department, he also worked as Emergency Management Coordinator for Outagamie County.

On August 28, 1980 he married his wife, the former Debra “Dee” Spilman at First English Lutheran Church of Appleton. They re-affirmed their vows on August 28, 2005. He was her rock and inspiration as well as her support when she chose to become an Ordained Pastor. He was an awesome father and Papa to his grandchildren.

He was an active member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Neenah, and he served as President of the Church Council where he oversaw construction of the church’s new sanctuary.

Bruce had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed hunting, fishing and carpentry. He loved playing cards, especially Sheepshead and Cribbage. He was an active Freemason and was a member Appleton Masonic Lodge in Appleton and was Past Grand Master for the State of Wisconsin.

He will be sadly missed by his wife, The Rev. Debra “Dee” Sim, daughter Courtney (Nathan) Bartlett, 2 sons, Brandon Sim and Grant (Jill) Sim, grandchildren, Cole, Callan, Izabella, and Autumn, 3 siblings, Bonnie Doerfler, George (Geraldine) Sim, and Candace (Craig) Danielson, as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother-in-law John Doerfler.

There will be a visitation for Bruce on Friday July 14, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 7:00PM at Wichmann Funeral Homes, Tri County Chapel in Menasha. There will be a Masonic Service at the funeral home at 7:00 PM on Friday. Visitation will continue on Saturday July 15, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1140 Tullar Road in Neenah. There will be a Memorial Service at the church on Saturday at 2:00 PM. For more information and to express condolences, please visit www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established.