Taps has sounded. Bruce L. Bishop, 96, passed away Nov. 7, 2020 in Belleair, Fla. He was born in Bensonville, Ill., on Aug. 25, 1924 to Helen (Landmeier) and Edward “Biddy” Bishop. He moved to Tomahawk in 1933.

Bruce and Patricia Kelley were married June 28, 1952.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, his elder brother Edward Jr. (Beatrice) and younger brother James (Carol). Bruce is survived by his beloved wife Patricia and five children: Bruce Jr., (Brie) Colorado, Mary Patricia, Minnesota, Kathleen, (Kenny) Myers, Michigan, Kelley (Rob) Gunter, Florida, and Thomas, (Liz), Florida, and his sister Lois (William) Houns, Wisconsin, 12 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild and special buddy Tom Kelley, best friend and golf rival.

Bruce was a State Trooper and First Field Commander of the Wisconsin State Patrol and administrator of the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management. He also was Chief of Staff to Governor Warren Knowles 1969/1970. He went on to Federal Government Service as a FEMA Regional Director of Region 5 (Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Indiana, and Illinois) from 1970 and then as Chief Planner for Military Support of Civil Defense at MacDill Air Force Base, in Tampa, Fla.

Although Bruce’s responsibilities and ambitions took his family far from Wisconsin, Tomahawk was always “home.” It was up north that Bruce was able to hunt, fish, play golf and putter around the cottage on Half Moon Lake.

After retirement, Bruce and Pat traveled all over the world, visiting six continents and most of their wonders. Bruce enjoyed the frequent visits of nieces, nephews, and friends. Bruce was always ready for drinks on the porch, long talks, and old stories. At the lake there was always a project, developing land at Killarney, remodeling the cottage, and forever striving to grow that impossible green lawn.

He lived well and will be missed.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, Tomahawk, on July 24, 2021 at 11 a.m., followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery with full military and Patrol honors.