Bruce Jonathan Ladewski, born to Angela (née Peculaitis) and Bernard Ladewski on June 26, 1950, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2026 after a long illness. As he wished, he spent his final days at his home in Lawrence, Michigan, surrounded by his wife, daughters and brothers.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 46 years, Barbara, their two daughters Sarah Crawford (Brett) and Rebecca (David Couling), five grandchildren (Ada, Tom, Alex, Daniel, and Madison), his brothers Ted and Greg, and many nieces and nephews.

Growing up in St. Joseph, Michigan, Bruce spent much of his childhood exploring the nearby ravine, woods, and creek. A talented musician, he played viola with the Twin Cities Symphony Orchestra (now SMSO) and in a family string quartet. After enlisting in the army in 1972, he served as a medical technician and was honorably discharged in 1975. He earned a B.S. in Biology at Grand Valley State University in 1977.

Most of Bruce’s professional life was spent as a Health, Safety, and Environmental Engineer at Auto Specialties and Bosch Manufacturing. A lifelong learner whose goal was never to retire, he earned his Masters of Arts from Siena Heights at age 49. He assumed management of the family apple farm at age 54. At age 67, he received a Ph.D. in Organizational Development from Western Michigan University and continued his engineering career as an Industrial Health and Safety Consultant for several corporations across the country.

Although his professional vocations were engineering and farming, his heart was always with his family. Bruce was the first phone call for his family when something was making a strange noise or leaking, and he would drop everything for a family member, friend, or neighbor who needed help. He could often be found on the ground inspecting or fixing something on the underside of farm equipment. He was a practical mentor, available to problem solve, lend tools, crawl around on the ground, and pitch in even on the dustiest, dirtiest jobs; he would work with you, so you would learn something too.

An avid camper, outdoorsman, and fisherman, he loved sharing his knowledge of and respect for the natural world on walks with his children and grandchildren. A born storyteller, Bruce was quick with an off-the-wall observation or playful joke. He loved Cubs Games at Wrigley, Taco Tuesdays at the Brew Pub, and breakfast out with friends. He had a profound sense of fun and spent many evenings playing Euchre. He was a loyal friend and mentor to many. He will be sorely missed.

A memorial service will be held on October 3 at the family farm (42432 County Road 673, Lawrence, MI 49064). Visitation will be from 2-3 pm. The memorial service will begin at 3 pm and will be immediately followed by an opportunity for those present to share stories with the group. We all know Bruce looked good in a suit, but when you picture him you probably see something more like a Hawaiian shirt for camping or suspenders and jeans for working. So, instead of dressing up for his memorial service, we would ask that you wear something practical, festive, or clothes that remind you of Bruce. 

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Friends of Algonquin Park, Van Buren Youth Camp, or Centrica Care Navigators.

 https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/foap/index.php   

https://vbyc.org/

https://centricacare.org/