BRUCE C. CHRISTENSEN, 79, of Menominee, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. Bruce battled VEXAS, a rare autoimmune disease, for four years with a positive attitude and his feisty spirit.
Bruce was born on November 23, 1946, in Shawano, Wisconsin, to Edmond and Eleanor (Firgens) Christensen. He graduated from Clintonville High School and was drafted to serve in Vietnam. He proudly served his country in the United States Army as a scout driving an M113 reconnaissance vehicle with the 2nd of the 47th Mechanized Infantry and then with the 3rd of the 5th Cavalry. Bruce went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and became a professional engineer in the state of Wisconsin. Bruce built his career as an engineer in research and development at Ansul, traveling the world as an expert in his field.
He married Colleen (Francour) Impola, and the two shared many happy years together until her passing in 2022. Following retirement, he enjoyed driving truck with Tommy and taking cross-country trips on his Harley with Colleen to visit his children, as well as trips to Branson, Missouri. Bruce cherished the friendships and memories made on his annual fishing trips to Canada with Willie, Frambo, and Arnie. He loved playing cards with the crew from County BB, and the many snowmobiling and camping trips with Colleen and their children.
We would like to thank the community that loved and cared for our dad, including the staff at the Harbors Retirement Community, JemCare, Cornerstone, and OSF St. Francis especially his nurse, Melissa, the staff at Aurora Medical Center Bay Area and, in his final days, the caring staff at Aurora Medical Center in Green Bay.
Bruce is survived by his children, Carey (Michael) Christensen-LaMontagne, Christopher Christensen, and Chad (Lisa) Christensen; his step-children, Jason (Sara) Impola, Nathan Impola, Carol (Troy) Berghuis, and David (Linda) Impola; daughter Jennie Anderson; his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly; his two sisters, Anita (Doug) Polzin and Nancy (Steve) Carrico; his special friend, Marilynn; and his many friends that he made along the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmond and Eleanor; his wife, Colleen; and his step-son, Matthew Impola.
Visitation for Bruce will be held at Cadieu Funeral Home on Sunday August 30, 2026 from 1:00 pm until the time of the Memorial Service at 3:00 pm with Pastor Tim Gunderson officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Birch Creek Cemetery, with full military honors conducted by the Military 20 Year Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bruce's name to St. Vincent DePaul at https://ssvpusa.org/donate/
