We had the honor to share our lives with an exceptional man. Bruce Alan Roquet served others with enthusiasm and great joy. He had a passion for Jesus and believed in God’s redeeming love. He trusted God’s purpose for his life relentlessly even when it conflicted with his own desire.
Bruce was born in Joplin, MO. He grew up in Hammond, IN and attended Morton High School. In the third semester of his Religion degree at Grand Rapids Baptist College, he met Deb, the woman he would love for the rest of his life—the next 43 years. In 2003, Bruce and Deb received their Masters of Spiritual Nurture from Mars Hill Graduate School in Seattle, WA. In Bruce’s words, theirs was an “intense, passionate, deep and committed love for each other in all times and situations”. The last words Bruce spoke on earth were to Deb, telling her “You are the love of my life.”
Bruce spent his life pursuing the good of others. He spent the majority of his professional career in Human Resource Management and greatly appreciated the relationships built with his work family. He treasured the time he spent as a Youth and College Ministry Pastor and was grateful to have the opportunity to be present in the lives of the students as they continued their journeys. Bruce was dedicated to international missions with work in Mexico and Haiti.
Regardless of where he was in life, Bruce immersed himself in nature. He had a great talent for gardening and landscape design. He knew how to slow down and be in awe of the beauty around him. Bruce loved to sit outside to watch storms, walk in streams, stargaze, bike the Katy Trail, and teach his grandchildren how to identify edible berries and name birds, flowers, and trees.
Bruce was an avid Cubs and Bears fan and although he was never successful in persuading any children or grandchildren to follow his lead—he never stopped trying!
Devoted to his grandchildren, Bruce moved to Minnesota in 2018 to be more present in their lives. Ever true to his commitments—Bruce excelled at this goal. He was a consistent model of joyfulness, humility, forgiveness, commitment, and surprisingly good driveway chalk art skills.
With his family present at his side, Bruce Alan Roquet passed away April 14th, 2021, in Sarasota, FL from complications of COVID-19 pneumonia. Bruce joined in heaven his parents—Jacob and Jean, sister-in-law—Susan, and precious great-niece—Delainey. Bruce is survived by his love—Deb; children—Luke, Rachel (Kodell), and Naomi (Nick); grandchildren—Shatera (Dan), Elena, Nyah, Lola, Isabella, Liza, Evangeline, and KJ; great-grandchildren—Liam and Malea; siblings—John, Jacob (Carol), Robert (Suzanne), and Nancy (Don); and so many LOVED nieces and nephews.
The depth of love and gratitude we hold for you, Bruce, is immeasurable. You will ALWAYS be in our hearts! ❤️
