Bruce Dale Harper

Bruce Dale Harper, aged 89, of Elgin, IL, formerly of New Baden, IL, passed away during sunset on November 30, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Elgin. Born on August 24, 1934, in Murphysboro, IL, to the late Mr. and Mrs. John Harper, Bruce led a life full of jubilance.

In August 1961, he married his beloved wife, Opal Fay Harper, who sadly preceded him in death. He leaves behind his daughter, Dale Ann Harper (husband, Thomas Lam), his three cherished grandsons, Jacob, Elliot, and WeiPing Lam, his caring sister-in-law, Ida Stallons, his brother-in-law, Jim Pirtle, and numerous loving nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his brother, John H. Harper, his grandparents, Correen and John Harper, and his aunts, Bonnie Muehlfeld (Matt Muehlfeld) and Essie Hampton (Earl Hampton).

Bruce’s lifelong passion was baseball. Not only did he play the sport himself until his forties, but he was also an avid fan of the Cardinals. His love for the game led him to attend three different World Series, witness McGwire setting records, and even receive an honorary contract from the Cardinals for catching a line drive foul ball. In addition to baseball, Bruce enjoyed basketball, bowling, and even participated in the Senior Olympics in his seventies. He discovered a new hobby in his eighties, learning to play pool. A voracious reader, Bruce devoured books of all genres – from spiritual and motivational books to sports biographies and joke collections. His friends and family will fondly remember Bruce for his great sense of humor and his easy, infectious smile. Bruce chose cremation, and a celebration of his life will be held in the summer. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Rainbow Hospice & Palliative Care Ascension Illinois Foundation in memory of Bruce. His spirit, love, and laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Optons of Schiller Park, IL