Bruce G. Cotanche, 91, passed away at home in Walloon Lake in the care of his daughter Sue and his granddaughter Katie on January 14, 2021. Bruce was born July 13, 1929 to Guy and Ann Cotanche in Harbor Springs.
Bruce married Phyllis E. Carroll on October 4, 1948 in Walloon Lake at her parent’s home on West Street. They built their own home on Walloon Street in 1960 and lived there the rest of their lives. Bruce and Phyllis celebrated their 70th Anniversary October 4, 2018 along with a large group of family and friends at Springbrook Golf Club. Phyllis passed away July 14, 2019.
Bruce enlisted in the USAAF after high school in 1947. After training, he was stationed on a crash crew and fire department at Selfridge Field. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1950.
Bruce had several early jobs working on an ore boat, at the Walloon Lake Canning factory and driving truck. He became a master carpenter in the 1950’s and worked full time until he retired at age 82.
Bruce was a highly active volunteer in Walloon Lake. Bruce served as Chief of the Melrose Township Fire Department for 23 years from 1950 through 1972. He served as Commander of the Walloon lake American Legion Post, and as President of the Walloon Lake Lions Club. He was on the Troop Committee of Boy Scout Troop 59. His three sons all became Eagle Scouts. Bruce also served on the Melrose Township Board of Review.
Bruce was the Dean of ice fishing on Walloon Lake during the 1950’s and 1960’s. He carved his own decoys and made his own spuds and spears in the era before augers existed. He also enlisted his kids to pull the heavy shanties out on the ice before snowmobiles came on the scene. Other fishermen followed his shanty around the lake. He was also an avid bird watcher. For decades, the bird food shelf outside the kitchen window and the bird feeder on the cedar tree just outside were kept full. Feed the birds and chase the squirrels was the routine.
Bruce is survived by his daughter Susan (Robert) Lyons of Walloon Lake, and sons Martin (Valerie) Cotanche of Williamsburg, Bryce (Sharon) Cotanche of Boyne Falls and Carl (Mary) Cotanche of Boyne City. He is also survived by grandchildren Katie (Eric) Morell of Wolverine, Mike (Casey) Bradley, and Adam and David Cotanche both of Marquette. His great grandchildren include Emmett Morell, MiKayla Bradley, Aydren Bradley, and EmmaLeigh Bradley. He is also survived by his sister Nancy Bachelor and several nieces and nephews.
Bruce was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis, his parents, granddaughter Elaine Mae Cotanche and siblings Ellen Remaly, Edith Hathaway and Mary Bischoff.
Bruce requested that there be no funeral. There will be a private graveside service for immediate family in the summer of 2021.
The family is being cared for and served by the Stackus Funeral Home of Boyne City.
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