Bruce Fitzgerald, 79, of Washington, Illinois, passed to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home.

Bruce was born March 12, 1945, in St. Paul, Minnesota to William and Mary Fitzgerald and grew up in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.  He served in the United States Navy from 1963-1967 and was stationed on the U.S.S. Enterprise aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War.  He married Linda Liesman on November 15, 1969, in Elkhart, Illinois.  Together they had two beloved sons, Scott, and Brandon (BJ).

Bruce was preceded in death by his son Brandon (BJ) and his parents.  He is survived by his wife Linda, son Scott (Stephanie) Fitzgerald, grandchildren Genevieve Mabe, Elijah Mabe, Landon Mabe, and Cole Fitzgerald, and his brother Bill (Bonnie) Fitzgerald.

Over the course of his life, Bruce's main employers were Caterpillar and Mangold Ford. In retirement, he volunteered his time to St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Washington and his son's business, Fitzgerald Painting and Remodeling.  Family and faith were the most important things in his life.  When we remember him, we remember his compassion and gratitude.  He loved to serve the youth of his church and was a youth group leader for many years, attending gatherings and going on mission trips.  He was always looking to give rather than receive.

Bruce and his family were fortunate enough to enjoy traveling.  His favorite trip was a roadtrip with his wife and two sons to the Badlands, the Black Hills, Yellowstone, and the Tetons.

Visitation will be on Sunday, April 28 from 4-6 pm at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington.  Funeral services will be held at Cana Lutheran Church in Washington at 11am on Monday, April 29.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cana Lutheran Church or St. Jude Midwest Affiliate.