BRUCE A. JUNKER

January 14, 1941 – July 10, 2019

Bruce Alan Junker was born January 14, 1941 in Fairbury, Nebraska and passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on July 10, 2019.

Bruce will be remembered by his wife Margaret (Peggy) Junker, sons Jim (Tacy) and Robb Junker (Susan), grandchildren Alexia, Nicholas, Ayda, and Rafe Junker, siblings Dale Junker, and Shirley Howell, and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his daughter JoEllen Junker, siblings Roland and Cal Junker, and his parents William A. Junker and Lucille Griffith Junker.

Bruce graduated from Fairbury High School, rode the Rock Island Rocket east in 1958 to work with his brother Cal at Silbrico in Chicago. He joined the Air Force becoming a Flight Simulator Technician from 1960 to 1964. Bruce returned to Chicago and his career at Silbrico, retiring in 2001 after 43 years of dedicated service. During his time in Chicago, Bruce led the local Emergency Service Disaster Agency (ESDA) and was active with the Boy Scouts, holding several key roles including Scoutmaster.

Bruce moved back to his hometown of Fairbury where his passion for a challenge led him to build his retirement home, overhaul tractors and trailers, and help his friends and family with countless projects big and small. Bruce was a community leader and a crafty problem solver with an affinity for steel, woodworking, and all things mechanical. He continued to serve his country as American Legion Commander and Honor Guard for the last decade. Bruce was also an accomplished Blacksmith and was devoted to demonstrating and advocating for the craft at every opportunity.

Through his many civic and professional leadership roles, Bruce impacted many lives with his strong sense of purpose, conviction to right vs wrong, and unwavering commitment to the causes in which he served. Supporting family, friends, and giving back to the local community was a great source of pride, which guided him throughout his life.

A viewing was held Sunday, July 14, 3:00 – 5:00 at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home, 1214 H. Street, Fairbury, Nebraska. Services were held Monday July 15th at 10:30 at American Lutheran Church, 1111 12th Street, Fairbury, Nebraska. Burial will be immediately following at Fairbury Cemetery. Friends and family are all invited to a luncheon at noon at the American Legion/VFW hall to celebrate his life.

Memorials have been established to the Fairbury Honor Guard and the American Heart Association.