Cover photo for Bruce R. Graper's Obituary
Bruce R. Graper Profile Photo
1952 Bruce 2020

Bruce R. Graper

January 9, 1952 — September 18, 2020

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall …

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall…

All the king’s horses and all the king’s men,

Couldn’t put Humpty back together again!

 

Bruce passed away Friday morning, September 18, 2020.

He no longer needs his broken body. He is flying free and pain free in the heavens.

Bruce Russell Graper was born January 9, 1952 to Germain and Valentine Graper. He was the youngest of three boys and learned early on how to stand up for himself. He lived his life in his own special design, never apologizing for who he was. He was who he was.

Bruce had an exemplary work ethic. Anytime you needed someone, he would be the first one there and work the hardest. He was endowed with great wisdom and could fix just about everything.

In 1970, Bruce met Asja, the woman who would complement him, and embarked upon a life of many adventures. They married in 1975 and shared 44 years of marriage. They had three children, Zeb, Tavja, and Kira. Bruce’s love for each of them was special and fierce.

Bruce loved his country and served proudly in both the Army, stationed in Germany, and Army Reserve in the 395th Ordnance Company. He served in Saudi Arabia in Desert Storm and was awarded a Bronze Star. Bruce was responsible for the military’s arsenal during Desert Storm, earning him the nickname, “King of the Dump.” After 22 years of service, Bruce retired with military honors. Through his service, he made many lifelong friends. With these friends, Bruce and Asja gathered every week for 20 years, watching Survivor. At their prompting, Bruce sent a tape and auditioned for the show.

In his civilian life, Bruce worked as a maintenance electrician supervisor. His hobbies included going up to the family cottage, fishing, hunting, riding his motorcycle, waterskiing and drinking Busch Light. People might remember his legendary cut-off jeans with many holes. His Canadian fishing trips with friends and family were very special times. Bruce was the life of the party and loved to entertain kids with his Donald Duck voice and sneezes. He had a handful of magic tricks and amazed people with his famous yoga pose. People who knew Bruce will surely have their own stories to tell.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Asja, and daughters Tavja and Kira; his brothers Gary (Mary) and Neal (special friend Sue) and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and beloved son, Zeb.

Due to current circumstances, private services will be held. If you would like to see his service, you can view the Graveside Service here at the Wichmann Funeral Home website. A link will be posted as soon as it is available.

In lieu of flowers and other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund will be established. Donations can be sent to the family or to the funeral home.

 

Bruce Graper Memorial Fund

c/o Wichmann Funeral Homes

537 N. Superior Street

Appleton, WI 54911

 

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bruce R. Graper, please visit our flower store.

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