MOLINE — Bruce Lee Cornmesser of Moline passed away surrounded by family and loved ones on Friday, July 5, 2024, after a long battle with dementia that began in 2016. He was 71-years-old.

Bruce was born on Feb. 26, 1953, in Moline to John "Pete" D. Cornmesser and Evelyn (Mattly) Wildermuth. He attended United Township High School in East Moline, graduating with the class of 1971 before enlisting in the U.S. Army in November of the same year.

Bruce was predeceased by his father John D. Cornmesser, his mother Evelyn Wildermuth, and his siblings Mary Ann Pauwels and Stanley Joe Cornmesser. He is survived by his wife Connie Cornmesser; his siblings Johnny Cornmesser, Pamela Kallestad, and Annette Granack; his sons Jon (Susanne) Cornmesser and Cody Cornmesser; as well as his stepchildren Alison (Branson) Rasko, Dawn (Jason) Bickle, and Greg Johnson. Additionally, he is survived by 14 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and many loving nieces, nephews, and his beloved dog Duchess.

Beginning his U.S. Army career in 1971, he was an Artillery Surveyor stationed in Hawaii for three years before being honorably discharged from active duty in 1974. During his years of service, Bruce was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and an award for rifle sharpshooting. He also became a member of the Illinois Veterans Commission. In his years between leaving the service and 1989, Bruce studied at Black Hawk College and worked a number of jobs pertaining to metal works and machinery including employments at International Harvester and East Moline Metal Products.

By 1989, Bruce had begun his 25 year long career at Alcoa, in Ultra Sonics and then took an apprenticeship to become a Maintenance Machinist. Here, he became certified in a number of field related skills such as welding, basic hydraulics, and specialty fire training.  While working as a machinist, Bruce and his brother Joe, became owners of The Keg Tavern in East Moline.  His next venture was in 2001 when he purchased Hey Bryan's. Bruce married his wife Connie in 2004 and eventually she became a part owner and manager of Hey Bryan's where they built a second family of employees and patrons.

Bruce had a passion and a natural talent for bowling, golf, and shooting pool throughout his life. He was even a member of the American Bowling Congress during the 1970s. While accomplished in all three, Bruce was well known in the golf community for being "best dressed" in outfits sporting his favorite Chicago and St. Louis sports teams and vibrant colors. Through his favorite hobbies and activities, Bruce enjoyed being surrounded by his friends and was well loved in all of his communities.

Family time was important to Bruce as he would often spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved taking them to get Country Style ice cream and finding any way he could to make them laugh. His wife Connie was his best friend and for Bruce, time with his loved ones was time well spent. Also, an animal lover, he spent many years doting on his rescue dogs, Luke and Duchess, who loved sharing peanut butter crackers with their dad. It was not uncommon to find Bruce and his dogs enjoying westerns and plenty of belly scratches. A generous man, Bruce constantly put others before himself looking to support (and sometimes spoil) those he loved in any way he could.

The family invites you to a celebration of Bruce's life at 10:00 am Thursday, July 11th at Van Hoe Funeral Home, East Moline. Interment with military honors presented by East Moline American Legion, Post 227, will be at National Cemetery, Arsenal Island. Visitation will be 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, July 10th at the funeral home. As a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, friends and loved ones are encouraged to come in their Cardinals' gear.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

A pillar of his community and a friend to many, Bruce Cornmesser will be fondly remembered and dearly missed.

Online condolences may be expressed at vanhoe.com