At the age 65, Bruce Edward Wilson passed away peacefully at Sunrise Senior Living on Wednesday February 4, 2016 after a 20 year struggle with Parkinson’s disease.
Bruce dedicated his life to helping children as a pediatrician. A proud graduate of Michigan State University, he went on to study medicine at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Bruce served as associate professor of pediatrics at MSU while treating and advocating for children with neuro-metabolic disorders. Dr. Wilson was also a veteran of the U.S. Army, retiring as Lieutenant Colonel. He held posts in West Germany, at Walter Reed Military Hospital, and at Fort Bragg. Bruce also served in Iran, where he was taken hostage, and later in the First Gulf War. An active member of the Michigan Judo community, Bruce achieved the rank of Godan (fifth degree black belt), and was a national level official. He also enjoyed participating with Boy Scouts Troop 109.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley F. Wilson and Helen H. Wilson of Jacksonville Florida. He is survived by his wife, Diane (Dee) Wilson; his brother, David Wilson; two sons, Brian and Kara (Kuszynski) Wilson of Farmington, and Timothy and Jennifer (Thomas) Wilson of Okemos; two grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express appreciation to Hospice of Michigan for their care and support.
The family will receive friends at the Metcalf and Jonkhoff Funeral Chapel on Monday from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held in the chapel on Monday at 2:00 p.m. Military honors to follow under the auspices of the Kent County Honor Guard. Charitable contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan for their outstanding care and support.