H. Bruce Bricker

H. Bruce Bricker age 98 of rural Bushnell, IL passed away peacefully on Wednesday January 27, 2016 at Wesley Village in Macomb, IL.  Bruce was born on August 26, 1917 in rural Prairie City, IL to Charles and Signa Doderlein Bricker.  He married Mary Harriet Pinckley on February 24, 1940 in Bushnell, IL and she preceded him in death on July 12, 2012.  Bruce is survived by 1 Daughter – Marjorie (Richard) Schaefer of Peoria, IL, 1 Brother – Vern (Pat) Bricker of Avon, IL, 4 Grandchildren - David Schaefer of Olathe, KS, Philip (Melissa) Schaefer of Brentwood, TN, Elizabeth Schaefer of Navarree, FL and Melissa (Jeffrey) Malson of Brimfield, IL and 4 Great-Grandchildren.  He was also preceded in death by his Parents and 5 Brothers.

Bruce was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs.  He patiently waited for them to win the World Series but he could wait no longer.  He will cheer them on with his heavenly Father and all who went ahead.  Bruce graduated from Bushnell High School in 1935.  He then attended Western Illinois University, graduating in 1939.  While there he played on the football team, was injured, thus ending his football career.  He also had the distinction of being elected the first Homecoming King there.  The school honored him by asking him to reign as Grand Marshall of the Homecoming Parade in 2011.  Bruce began farming in 1940 south of Bushnell and continued there for 76 years.  He became interested in breeding Angus cattle and soon founded the Bricker Angus farm and one of the premier Angus breeding herds in the country.  He was very active in the Lamoine Valley Angus Association and helped found it in 1946.  He was a past President and Sales Manager of the local association and of the State of Illinois Angus Association as well.  Bruce was also the first working farmer to be elected to the National Board of Directors of the Aberdeen Angus Assoc.  He was a 4-H leader and was influential in whatever endeavor he tried. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Monday February 1, 2016 at the Martin-Hollis Funeral Home in Bushnell, IL.  Visitation will be held from 4 – 6 P.M. on Sunday January 31, 2016 at the Funeral Home where friends may call after 2:00 P.M. on Sunday.  Burial will be in the Bushnell Cemetery.  The family requests that memorials be made to the Bushnell Rescue Squad or the Shaw Creek Golf Club in Bushnell, IL.  Please sign the guestbook or leave condolences at http://www.martinhollisfh.com