Bruce Fred Rothenbuhler, 96, of Mt. Vernon, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2018. Bruce was born March 1, 1921 in Saxon, WA to Walter and Pearl (Gorrie) Rothenbuhler.
Bruce married Gertrude (Gertie) Noice in 1939 who unfortunately passed away February 1977. In September 1977, Bruce married Jean Galbraith at the Little Brown Chapel in Wickersham. The two made their home in Acme, WA. He was a lifetime resident of Skagit and Whatcom counties.
Over the course of his life, Bruce had several different jobs. He was a logger, home remodeler and worked on the Ross Dam. He joined the Coast Guard during WW II and received an Honorable Discharge in 1944. His primary job though was a pipe fitter. In 2016 he received his 50th year pin from the Pipe Fitter’s Union.
Many years ago Bruce accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Throughout his life he was involved in many different churches and supported many missions, far too many to count. For 20 years Bruce and Jean drove to Mira Vista Care Center in Mount Vernon almost weekly to share the Lord with the residents. Up until his death, Bruce attended River of Life Church.
Bruce is survived by his stepson, Larry (Bonnie) Lintz of Sedro-Woolley and daughter Susan Rothenbuhler of Edmonds. His grandchildren, Rose (Tim) Lanata of Sedro-Woolley, Rebecca (Rick) Bolger of Granite Falls, Julie (Mike) Handy of Sedro-Woolley, Randy Lintz of Mount Vernon, Amanda (Robert) Sherman of Okanogan, and Brenda (Darren) Jordan of Edmonds; 13 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great- grandchildren; He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Rhodes Galbraith of Acme, and nieces Lois (Don) Thorndike of Acme and Eunice (Paul) Weingert of Bellingham plus many other nieces and nephews. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and both spouses.
An informal viewing will be held at Lemley Chapel anytime Wednesday-Friday, 9 am to 5 pm or by special arrangements.
A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 1:00 pm at the Saxon Cemetery in Acme followed by a Celebration of Life service for both Bruce and Jean at 2:00 pm at the River of Life Church, 4037 SR 9, Deming (Van Zandt) with a reception following.
A special thank you to The Bridge Assisted Living in Mount Vernon and to Hospice of the Northwest for their care and assistance. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Northwest or the River of Life Church.