Bruce P. Hallinen

Trenary

Bruce Paul Hallinen, age 70, of Trenary, Michigan passed away after a brief illness at Marquette General Hospital, Monday evening, December 26, 2016.

Bruce was born in Superior, Wisconsin on June 4th, 1946 to the late Hans and Esther (Kallio) Hallinen. Bruce lived most of his life in Trenary with his four younger siblings, Robert “Bob” (Darlene) Hallinen of Anchorage, Alaska; Cheryl (Warren) MacDonald of San Diego, California; David (Jean) Hallinen of Marquette, Michigan; Loriann (Joseph) Lyons of Oxford, Michigan. All five siblings were raised packing the infamous Cinnamon Toast and breads of the family’s business, Trenary Home Bakery, a business Bruce would later own. A popular youth, Bruce was known to be surrounded by his friends, particularly Larry Hill and brothers Gary “Inky” and Bill “Ticky” LaCombe, during the long summer days at the family camp on Cook Lake in the Hiawatha National Forest.

Preceding his time in the U.S. Air Force where he was trained as a communications-electronics specialist at Keesler AFB, Mississippi, Bruce attended Northern Michigan University and Western Michigan University, and later Bay Community College. After spending time in Los Angeles and Chicago, Bruce returned home to Trenary to own and run the Trenary Home Bakery for over twenty years. Always committed to his community, Bruce was an active member and past president of the Trenary Lions Club, often organized the Trenary 4th of July celebrations, and spearheaded the local Lions Vision Screening and Eyeglass Recycling efforts. He was also a member of the Trenary High School School Board, served on the board of the Trenary Credit Union, and was a member of the Retail Bakers Association and Wisconsin Bakers Association.

Known for his passions for reading, photography, and wood-sculpting, Bruce was an avid bowler like his parents and an excellent pool player. An unrelenting fan of the Detroit Lions and Red Wings, Bruce was also known for his intense political discussions with his late uncle, Donald Kallio, and late close family friend, Toivo Aho. When Bruce retired to Lost Creek senior apartments in Marquette, he continued his legacy of community service by organizing a beautiful and successful community garden, helping with the library, and actively participating in the Birthday Club. Beyond these contributions, Bruce developed a meaningful friendship with fellow resident, Ella. They shared a love of watching the ore boats coming to port.

Bruce is preceded in death by his parents, Hans and Esther, and his infant son Zachary Martin. He is survived by his sons, Joseph (Denise) Hallinen of Pensacola, Florida, and Jacob Hallinen of Chicago, Illinois, as well as his ex-wife Sandra (Paul) Heraver of Chicago, Illinois. He leaves behind his beloved grandson, Zachary.

Bruce will be remembered for his work ethic, sense of community, and wry smile.

Bruce’s family would like to invite family and friends to join them at the Trenary Community Building on Sunday, June 4, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. for a memorial service, followed by fellowship and visiting.