Phillip "Bogie" Bruce

Phillip “Bogie” Bruce, age 65, of Munising died late Saturday evening, March 21, 2026 at the Munising Memorial Hospital following a lengthy illness. Bogie was born on July 28, 1960 in Munising to the late Warren Emil and Shirley (Monhead) Bruce. He grew up in Munising and was a standout athlete for the Munising Mustangs. Bogie graduated in 1979 and entered the U.S. Army. He served over three years and was stationed in Germany. Bogie returned home and went to work at the Dogpatch where he worked many years as a maintenance man and “jack of all trades.” Bogie married Holly Bray and together they raised their five children. He loved supporting his kids in their activities and sports endeavors. Bogie coached Little League when his kids were small. He was a hard worker and did all he could to help provide for his family. In addition to his work at the Patch, he worked for Terry DesJardins and Greg Pond with construction. He also worked with his father and brothers opening and closing graves at the Maple Grove and Munising Township Cemeteries. Bogie spent many years making sure his parents were taken care of before their deaths. He enjoyed hunting, fishing (and was known to have his ice shanty sink more than once or twice), spending time at camp, and watching Westerns on television. Bogie had a booming voice and a great laugh that will be missed by those who knew him.

He is survived by his children – Ken “KB” Burley of Topeka, KS, Kory Burley of Munising, Kristle (Jim) Leffel of Escanaba, Bo Bruce of Munising, and Brad (Kristi) Bruce of Gladstone; grandchildren – Noah, Autumn, Grace, Jaxson, Whitney, Matilda, Eliyah, Gunnar, Addie, Amirah, Jordyn, Holly, and Anna; mother-in-law – Sylvia Bray-Bosley; siblings – Christina Fleck, Emil “Bootsy” Bruce, and Sara (Elliot) Pearce; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bogie was preceded in death by parents, wife Holly, brother Tony Bruce, grandchildren Kinlee and Ethan Leffel, and nieces Jessie, Tia, and Kristy.

Visiting time with family and friends will be at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Military honors will be rendered at the Maple Grove Cemetery at a later date.