Bruce "Chopper" Buresh

Bruce A. Buresh, affectionately known as “Chopper,” age 76, went to be with the Lord on March 24, 2025 after battling illness after illness following a stroke in February of 2024. He passed peacefully with his family by his side.

Bruce was born on March 12, 1949, in Eau Claire, WI, to William Buresh Jr. and Edna (Stelter) Wilda.

On September 19, 1970, he married Joan Myers at Cooks Valley Church in Bloomer, WI. Bruce proudly served in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Germany.

His life’s work was spent driving semi-trucks, hauling heavy equipment, and working on the pipeline—a career defined by hard work and dedication. He remained committed to his work right up until the day of his stroke in February of 2024.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend, When he wasn’t working; he cherished time spent with his family, especially at the treasured “cabin”—the second home he and Joanie built from the ground up. It was the heart of many holidays, vacations, and weekends shared with friends and family. When he wasn’t back in Bloomer, the cabin was his haven, thus “Choppers Haven.” He took great pride in the hunting “shack” he built, spending countless hours there with family, waiting for the big one to come through. Bruce also found joy in the outdoors—fishing, plowing snow, cutting wood, working in his yard, and sharing Sunday charcoal chicken dinners with his family.

Bruce is survived by his loving and caring wife of 54 years, Joan Buresh of Bloomer; his children, Michelle (Paul) Kostner and Wayne “Buck” (Alysa) Buresh; grandchildren, Jacob (Dayna) Kostner, Sidney (Kobe Berghammer) Kostner, Josie Kostner, Orin Buresh, and Ivin Buresh; great-grandchild, Louie Kostner; sister, Brenda (Alex) Jorge of Vero Beach, Florida and numerous extended family members and friends. We can’t forget Bruce’s grand-animals; which he absolutely loved; The Golden Girls Cleo and Rosie and the Bulldogs Nila, Zeus and Rain and the roaming cat Alfredo.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Buresh Jr.; mother, Edna Wilda; stepfather, Clarence Wilda; brothers, Laverne and Dennis Buresh; and sisters, LaVonne Kinderman and Judy Nemitz; father-in-law Louis A. Myers and mother-in-law Josephine “Josie” Myers.

During his journey, Bruce was blessed with the care and support of many incredible individuals who brought comfort, care, and kindness, to his life. A heartfelt thank you to the amazing, compassionate, and fun-loving caregivers who made an immense difference in both his life and his family’s: Patti Rihn, Samantha Willi, Amanda Holm, Cornerstone Caregivers, and Aveanna Healthcare.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our close family members for the many ways in which they supported Bruce and his family. From always ensuring the cookie jar was full to providing comforting meals and spending countless days and nights by his side.

We are deeply grateful to St. Croix Hospice for their care and compassion to Bruce, as well as the dedicated team at the 4J Unit at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis. Your unwavering support and compassion will never be forgotten.

We are also forever thankful to Caleb Ruf and Cole Olson for their kindness and generosity in helping convert Bruce’s garage into a living space, allowing him to remain at home where he was most comfortable. Their selflessness gave him the gift of peace, and for that, we will always be thankful.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find peace in knowing he is now at rest in the arms of the Lord. He faced his hardest days with unwavering strength and determination. His hard work and resilience were a testament to the man he was—though his fight has ended, his legacy of perseverance and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in peace, knowing his work here is done and his memory will never fade.

A visitation service will be held on Sat. March 29th from 2-5 p.m. at Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer.

Burial will take place at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner at a later date.

Honorary Pallbearers are his beloved grandchildren Jacob, Sidney & Josie Kostner, Orin & Ivin Buresh and his “No good son-in-law, night nurse” Paul Kostner.