Bruce J. Oradei, age 89, of Tomahawk, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at his home. Bruce was born in Iron Mountain, Mich., on April 2, 1935, to Dante and Arthina “Art” (Wallace) Oradei. He was married to Marleen Goulet on Sept. 7, 1957. She passed away on July 16, 2020.
Bruce was a 1954 graduate of the Iron Mountain High School. He earned his bachelor of science degree in 1958 from UW-Superior majoring in History and minoring in Geography and Political Science and went on to receive his master’s in education in 1967. Bruce was a History, Political Science, and Geography teacher who shaped the mind of many students and was a mentor to many as a football, baseball, and basketball coach. He moved with his family to Wausau, Wis., where he became a union representative for the Wisconsin Education Association Council. Bruce was offered a job as a lobbyist political consultant for WEAC in Madison, Wis., and moved with his family to Sun Prairie, Wis. A political and history junkie, Bruce read news magazines continuously to sharpen his knowledge. He was a public-servant advocate who was a passionate lobbyist and did so much to improve conditions in the field of education. Bruce’s accomplishments were considerable and were achieved by hard work and enthusiasm. He enjoyed his home on Lake Alice where he was a member of the Lake Alice Association for many years. He was a wonderful dad and always was there for his family with a helping hand or advice. Not only was he a loving husband and dad, but he was a very caring grandpa. During the school year, he often picked up various grandkids from school, and during the summer he provided a wonderful cabin on Lake Alice that they could play in. Bruce was admired for his unwavering commitment to helping others both personally and professionally and will be missed dearly by his family and friends.
Survivors include his children, Dan (Corky), Manny (Marianne), Ann, and Sally (John); his son-in-law, Mark (Carol); his grandchildren, Katrina, Em, Karali, Lexi, Joe, Alia, Sarah, Kyle, Ben, and Nick; and his great-grandchildren, Gavin, Becka, and Cora.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of over 60 years, Marlie; his daughter, Mary Prahl; and his sisters, Sally and Kathleen.
Memorial services for Bruce will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at 12 p.m., at Generations Funeral Home. Pastor Julie Sinkula will officiate. The family will receive friends for visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 12 p.m.
Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.