Obituary: Bruce R. Tebon

Sept. 4, 1946 – Feb. 19, 2024

Bruce Ruben Tebon, 77, of Sturgeon Bay, died unexpectedly on Feb. 19, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona. Bruce was born on Sept. 4, 1946, in Escanaba, to the late Albert Tebon and Priscilla (Vertz) Tebon. After spending his early years in the UP, the family moved to Sturgeon Bay. He graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1966 and was drafted into the US Army where he defended his country for two years with honor and pride. He received a Sharpshooter medal and was a Motor Transport Operator in support of combat operations.

After the Vietnam War, he returned to his small-town roots where he raised his family. Prior to retiring in 2004 at the age of 58, Bruce dedicated 20 years of his professional career to Peterson Builders prior to moving into insurance sales. As a great storyteller, he often shared stories with his children and friends of his many antics over the years. Bruce enjoyed fishing, scuba diving, golf, and traveling. His travels took him to the Hawaiian Islands and on several memorable cruises with family to warm destinations. After retiring, he spent his winters in Apache Junction, Arizona, where he made many great friends.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Ruthann Tebon, his children Christine (Tim) Brogli and Denise (John) Kaldor, sisters Sherry Hanson and Sally (Tom) Teich, grandchildren Amanda (Mark) Kluth, Alexander Wilmanns, Katherine Brogli, and Cory Berken. He is also survived by his stepmother Susie Tebon and stepsisters Wendy (Kurt) Foth, Brenda (Steve) Abrahamson, Rene (Doug) Forsyth, great grandchildren Emma and Carter Kluth, and step-children Carol (Steve) Peterson, Sandy (Jeff) Bryant, Daniel (Sara) Laurent, Leah (Joe) Salazar, and Debbie (Brian) Bain. He is further survived by 14 step grandchildren and 5 step great grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Albert Tebon and Priscilla Tebon, and brother Terry Tebon.

A service to celebrate Bruce’s life will be held at 10 am on March 15, 2024, at Forbes Funeral Home, 319 W. Spruce St, Sturgeon Bay. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm on Thursday at the funeral home and from 9 am until the time of services at the funeral home on Friday. Burial with military honors will be held at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Brussels after the service on Friday.

His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. “When you feel a little lonely and all you want is me, just place a hand upon your heart and you know that’s where I’ll be.”