Bruce Hall Babcock

Big Lake resident Bruce Hall Babcock, 83, died at home on Jan. 14, 2012.

A celebration of life is at 11 a.m., Jan. 21 at Mid-Valley Senior Center, 11975 W. Mid-Valley Way, Houston. Bruce's ashes will be scattered on his homestead in Big Lake at a later date.

Bruce was born Oct. 3, 1928, in Columbus, Wisc., the son of Ralph and Florence (Hall) Babcock. Bruce graduated with the class of 1946 from Pulaski High School in Milwaukee, Wisc. Bruce served his country and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base from 1950 to 1953. Bruce was later employed by the U.S. Civil Service from 1955 until his retirement in 1985 as a supervisor of a jet engine and reciprocating engine shop at Elmendorf.

Bruce lived in Anchorage from 1955 to 1956 and later homesteaded at Big Lake in 1956. In 1996, the Miller's Reach Fire destroyed his home and belongings. He rebuilt on the homestead, which he loved, and lived there for the rest of his life.

Bruce was involved in his community, including the Mid-Valley Senior Center, Mat-Su Coalition of Seniors, Big Lake Homesteaders Association, Houston Fire Department and National Active and Retired Federal Employees.

Bruce married Ursula Hoppmann in Marshfield, Wisc., in 1954 and had one son, Lee. They later divorced. He married and later divorced Mary Allyne Vitt in Anchorage.

The family wrote: "His family and friends will remember Bruce as always willing to help others and being actively involved in community organizations. Bruce enjoyed moose hunting with his friends and daily phone calls with his brother-in-law, Harold "Gus" Kahn of Wasilla. In his later years, he found help and support sharing life with his dear friend, Luetta Hale."

Recently, he became an avid Green Bay Packers fan, sharing the passion with his son and grandchildren. He most looked forward to the annual visits from his family, and last fall introduced the homestead and Alaska to his new great-grandson, Gavin.

Bruce was preceded in death by his mother, Florence Hall Babcock; father, Ralph Leo Babcock; and granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth Babcock.

Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, Lee and Sue Babcock of Marshfield, Wisc.; granddaughter, Amanda (Jeff) Leurquin of Wausau, Wisc.; grandson, Jason (Sarah) Babcock of Green Bay, Wisc.; great-grandson, Gavin Babcock of Green Bay, Wisc.; sister, Leatrice (Ray) Thurston of Hemet, Calif.; brother, Ralph (Dorothy) Babcock of Milwaukee, Wisc.; one niece, four nephews and seven great nieces and nephews.

Valley Funeral Home and Crematory cared for the family.