Bruce Irish

Bruce Eugene Irish, 97, of Oakfield, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 23, 2023 at his home surrounded by family. 

Bruce was born September 21, 1925 in Waupun, the son of Earl and Naomi Tingley Irish, Sr. Bruce graduated from Waupun High School in 1943 where he was a recognized athlete in football, basketball, and boxing. In 1943, at the age of 18, Bruce enlisted in the Merchant Marines, joining the efforts of WWII. After one year of service with the Merchant Marines, he joined the U.S. Army and served primarily in the Philippines. Bruce was discharged as a decorated soldier in 1946. On October 5, 1944 Bruce was united in marriage to Bea Brown in Waupun. Bruce and Bea would make the Waupun area their lifetime home. Together they owned Irish’s News Agency in Waupun for over 20 years. Bruce was also employed by Borden Dairy in Fond du Lac for 40 years and retired in 1991. Bruce enjoyed building, his most fulfilling project being the house he built for himself, his wife, and seven children. Bruce lived out his days in this house. He enjoyed the outdoors, summers at the lake, swimming, walking, storytelling, going out to eat, and time spent with his children and grandchildren. Bruce simply enjoyed life. He will lovingly be remembered for inviting all to his porch to come and sit for a spell, the willow tree he planted that became a playhouse for generations, his sense of humor, his strength, his patience, his wit, and his stories. And always as grandpa.

Bruce is survived by his children: Bickey (Craig) Kinderman of Oshkosh, Brenda Irish (Steve Cross) of Manton, Michigan, Bill Irish of Amberg, Laura Irish of Waupun, and Brett Irish of Fond du Lac, daughter-in-law, Pat Irish of Middle Inlet; 25 grandchildren; 59 great-grandchildren; 20 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bruce was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bea Irish; sons: Bryan and Barry Irish; daughters-in-law: Emily Irish, Wynn Irish, and Nancy Irish; his parents; and siblings: Earl, Edgar, Harlan, Ruth, Donna, and Barbara.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun. Friends and relatives may call on the family on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Rock River Cemetery in the Town of Oakfield.

The family would like to thank St. Agnes Hospice of Fond du Lac for their incredible service and support during Bruce’s final days. 

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Veterans Affairs or the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge.