Bruce J Updegraff Obituary (1951 - 2012)

BRUCE J. UPDEGRAFF, AGE 60, OF BRADENTON, FL AND FORMERLY OF ELWOOD, IN, PASSED AWAY ON AUGUST 24, 2012, AT HIS RESIDENCE IN BRADENTON FOLLOWING AN EXTENDED ILLNESS.BRUCE WAS BORN ON NOVEMBER 2, 1951, TO HARRY AND WILMA (BAKER) UPDEGRAFF IN ELWOOD, IN.ON AUGUST 4, 1991, HE MARRIED SANDRA (HOCKER) UPDEGRAFF SHE SURVIVES. BRUCE GRADUATED IN 1970 from Wendell L. Willkie High School, Attended Ball State University and graduated with a BS in Education in 1973 and a Masters degree in 1975.HE Taught for over 30 years in the Alexandria School system at Thurston Elementary 6th grade and Math at the middle school.He retired from teaching in 2006 and moved to Bradenton, Florida. Coached at the Alexandria School system in 8th grade football, wrestling, golf He was active in the Elwood community as an Umpire for Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball. His hobbies included reading, golf, bridge, Major League Baseball (Dodgers), and travel (frequently following his Dodgers). He was active in the Elks and was an Exalted Ruler in 1979 at the Elwood Elks Lodge #368.He had transferred to the Bradenton Elk's Lodge #1511 where he was active as a Lodge Trustee. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Elwood Survivors include-His wife, Sandy Updegraff (Hocker) Bradenton, Florida and formerly of Elwood; sister, Dr. Maria Poor (Mike) of Greenfield, Indiana; Aunt, Clemence Thomas (Don) of Anderson, Indiana; Uncle, Walter Updegraff (Judy) of Kokomo; Nephews, Adam Poor (Crystal) and Benjamin Poor both of New Palestine, Indiana; Adam Hocker of Bradenton, Florida; Kevin Fletcher of Bradenton; Daniel Hocker ( fiancA(c) Jillian) of Dayton, Kentucky; Niece, Twhyla Fletcher of Powder Springs, Georgia; his father-in-law, William Hocker, brothers-in-law/sisters-in-law Jim and Chris (Hocker) Fletcher and Bill and Patty Hocker, all of Bradenton, Florida; Cousin, Todd Updegraff, Kokomo Preceded in death by his parents Harry and Wilma (Baker) Updegraff; brother, Mark Updegraff; sister, Linda Updegraff; Grandparents, Harry and Hester Updegraff and John and Belva Baker; Nephew, Benjamin Fletcher ; and cousins, Pat and Mike O'Brien. Visitation will be held Thursday, August 30, 2012, at 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm, with Elks memorial service at 7:00 PM at Dunnichay Funeral Home, Elwood, Indiana. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 31, 2012, at 11:00 am at the Dunnichay Funeral Home, Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner, officiating. Burial will take place in Elwood City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Elwood Elks, Bradenton Elks, or to Tidewell Hospice of Bradenton, FL Online condolences can be given at www.dunnichayfuneralhome.com.