Melvin Butch Bruce, 78, of Ladysmith, died on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Marshfield Medical Center-Ladysmith surrounded by family.

Mel is survived by his wife of 54 years, Judith; his children, Ann (Martin) Lund, Melvin Jr. (Antoinette), Charles (Holly), Naomie, Kelsey, Caleb and Nicholas; eight grandchildren, Charles (Andria), Jon (Shyann), Rebecca (Jordan), Katherine, Elijah, Micah, Leah, and Raylinn. He is survived by in-laws, Susan (Norm) Peters, Mike Nikkila, Karen Schneiderwent, and Robert (Luanne) Schneiderwent. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents Emery and Laura (Grimshaw) Bruce and his siblings, Robert, Elvina, Ruth, Emery Jr., Muriel, Clyde, and Charles.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, August 23, with visitation starting at 9 a.m., at Ladysmith Christian Church, Ladysmith with Pastor Brian Chitwood officiating. There will be a meal following the service.

Military Honors will follow the service and will be provided by the Rusk County Honor Guard. A private burial will take place at a later date.

A complete obituary will be published in the Ladysmith News.