Bruce Howard Stafford

Bruce Howard Stafford, 84, of Arkansaw, WI passed away Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Advent Health in Durand. He was born at home in Porcupine, WI on January 9, 1940; son of Howard and Emma (Carothers) Stafford.

He attended Porcupine School and graduated from Arkansaw High School. Following high school he joined the United States Army.

On February 23, 1963 he married Diane Markman. They were blessed with four daughters, Rebecca, Laurie, Bonnie and Heidi. Bruce and Diane later divorced and then reunited for the last three years.

Bruce farmed and worked at the Co-op in Durand before attending Chippewa Valley Technical College for Police Science. He served as a Law Enforcement Officer for the Pepin County Sheriff’s Department for 28 years, retiring in 1993. Following his retirement he drove school bus for the Durand Arkansaw Schools.

Bruce enjoyed fishing, especially his trips to Canada with family and friends. He loved hunting on his farm and on his many trips out west. Most of all, he enjoyed flying and teaching others how to fly.  He looked forward to his fly-in breakfasts and trips to Strum to visit with his pilot friends.

He is survived by his children, Rebecca Doverspike of Eau Claire, WI, Laurie (Larry) Niemi of Fishtail, MT, Bonnie (Bill) Hebel of Durand, WI and Heidi (Brent) Bauer of Durand, WI; grandchildren, Amber, Amy, Lacie, Lance, Russell, Michael, William, Jennifer, Brittany, Joshua, Zachary, and Emma; great-grandchildren, Brent, Mikendra, Ottollie, Cambryn, Liam, Elizabeth, Natalie, Adam, Sawyer, Noell, Finley and Grissom; ex-wife Diane Biederman; brothers,  Kenneth and Daniel Stafford; sisters, Diane (Ronnie) Franklin and Carol (Jerry) Mauer; many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Matthew Hebel; son-in-law, James Doverspike, sister-in-law, Beverly Stafford, nephew Kim Stafford; and niece Debbie Stafford.

Memorial services will be 11:00 am on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Goodrich Funeral Home in Durand with Pastor Dan Richardson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Military Honors by Durand American Legion Post #181 and lunch will follow at the Community of Christ Church in Arkansaw.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Rucker and the care Team at Advent Health for their compassion and care.

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