Bruce Illies, Sr.

October 29, 1949 - January 31, 2019

Anthony Bruce Illies, Sr., age 69, of New Prague, died suddenly at his home on Thursday, January 31, 2019.  Bruce was born on October 29, 1949 in Granite City, Illinois.  He graduated from Granite City High School and attended Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.  Bruce served in the US Army during the Vietnam War years and married the love of his life, Diana, while on leave December 23, 1969 in Granite City, IL.  This year would have marked 50 years of marriage.  He worked as a retail consultant all of his life.  Bruce’s passions were reflected in his lifestyle.  He was inducted into the Illinois Wrestling Hall of Fame.  He was an avid bass angler, a passion he was passing on to his grandchildren.  They took center stage and he was an avid follower of all their sports.

 

Bruce Sr. is survived by his loving wife, Diana of New Prague; sons, Bruce Jr. & Dana Illies of New Prague and Jan Illies of Lonsdale; grandchildren, Katherine, Briahna, Jakob, Samuel, Brody, & Kieren.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Gene & Arlene Kohuth.

 

Friends may call to greet the family and say their good byes on Monday, February 4, 2019 from 3-6 PM at Bruzek Funeral Home.  There will be no formal service.  There will be a private family burial with military honors at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery on Tuesday.

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Cindy Grotz
5 years ago

Dear Diana,
Sorry to see that you’ve lost your loving husband. I so enjoyed meeting him in PACU. Great sense of humor and so caring. Know that you are in my thoughts. With deep sympathy, Cindy

Barbara Fechte Bilbrey
5 years ago

Diana and family,
I was so sorry to hear the news about Bruce’s passing. You have my deepest sympathy. Bruce was such a nice guy and good friend in my younger years. My dad so enjoyed talking with him about sports.

Ray Tucker
5 years ago

Will definitely miss this wonderful human being. Full of life and a joy to be around. Deepest sympathy to Diana and the rest of his family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mike and Merri Mattson
5 years ago

To the Illies family, we are so sorry to hear about Bruce’s passing. Our thought are with all of you. Bruce was a great neighbor in Bloomington and a good friend. Enjoyed our softball times together and enjoyed stopping by occasionally to catch up. You will be missed.

Mary Ellen Brown
5 years ago

So very sorry to receive the news about your father, grandfather and dear husband. Our thoughts and condolences are sent to all of the Illies family. I so injoyed the visits we had when the Illies’ came back to Illinois for family events. He always appeared to be an enjoyable and great guy to all. Much love to you Diana, Bruce and Jan.

Angie Schoenbauer
5 years ago

Dana and Bruce and family I am so sorry for your loss, please know my prayers are with you all.

Bob Edlund
5 years ago

Bruce is a special friend that rarely come along in your life time.
I will miss his laugh and sharing stories with him.
Diana our Prayers are with you and your family.
Rest In Peace Big Guy

Ron Edlund
5 years ago

Bruce was a great friend and loved his family and talked about them often
Worked hard at trying to Change him into a Walleye fisherman with no luck!
Have amazing memories with Nruce over the years some of which we can’t discuss
Diana I am so sorry for your loss and prayers to you and all your family
Bruce was a special guy and I will never forget him or his laugh

Roy Schwappach
5 years ago

Man, this one hurts. Bruce was a great man, an awesome stick and a great football player and teammate. Going to miss the Wide Guy bad. Prayers and thoughts to the rest of the family during this most difficult time, Diana I’m so sorry to hear this news, we all share your pain.

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