Bruce K. Wisse

Bruce K. Wisse, 65, Wausau, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison with his family at his side. Bruce fought bravely in his quiet, gentle way, awaiting a heart transplant. He was born May 19, 1951 in Baldwin, the son of Donna (Brummels) Wisse, River Falls and the late Marion Wisse. On June 26, 1971 Bruce married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Wisse in River Falls. Pat was the love of his life. Bruce graduated from River Falls High School in 1969. After attending UW River Falls for two years Bruce and Pat married and he followed her to UW Stevens Point, where they both graduated in 1973. His Master's Degree was earned at UW Stevens Point, as well. Bruce spent his 35-year teaching career in Wausau, first teaching English at Newman HS from 73-76. In 1976 Bruce began his 32 years at Wausau East High School, where he taught English and served as English Dept. Chair for his last 11 years until retirement in 2008. One of his proudest accomplishments while at East was creating a course in film study with a longtime friend and colleague. Bruce touched the lives of many students and colleagues through his quiet, calm strength. Bruce was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He took great pride in watching his granddaughter play softball and basketball for Wausau East High and loved taking the grandkids camping. Bruce loved the Badgers, attending games at Camp Randall and the Kohl Center. He enjoyed working outside in his yard and flower garden. He loved a great book and golfing with good friends. Bruce and Pat loved to travel. In retirement, they took many motorhome trips to National Parks throughout the country where they would hike, bike and explore. Winter trips to Cabo and Orange Beach were special times where cherished memories were made with family and friends. Survivors include wife, Pat Wisse, Wausau, his mother, Donna Wisse, River Falls, children Kate (Mark) Reineking of Wausau, Matt (Stacy) Wisse of Eau Claire, grandchildren, Gracie and Carter Reineking, Jack, Sam, Alex and Emersyn Wisse, Ben Madison, brother Duane Wisse, sisters-in-laws Jayne McCann and Rosemary McCann. Memorial service will be at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of services all at the Sixth Street funeral home. A heartfelt thank you to the UW Health Madison physicians, nurses and entire Cardiac ICU staff for the compassionate care they provided Bruce in his final month. The professionalism and humanity shown to Bruce and Pat during the 30 days will never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations be made toward the Bruce Wisse Memorial Scholarship Fund at Wausau East High or UW Health Madison Cardiac ICU Nurse Scholarship Fund. Please consider organ donation. It can save lives. https://www.youcaring.com/brucewisse-787992 Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com