Bruce “Torch” Dean Hocum
Bruce was known to be an honest, generous and hardworking man. He enjoyed being an avid outdoorsman, but his biggest love was his family.
Bruce was born on January 13, 1942 in Montevideo, MN to Ellsworth and Deloris (Ruud) Hocum.
At a young age he started his passion for fishing. As most kids saved money for a car, Bruce saved money so he could purchase his first boat motor. Bruce was known to return to school with a "pass" for missing the prior day, but the staff would just ask him "how was the fishing?" as they were wise to his shenanigans. Soon after Bruce would find another interest...hunting. These two pastimes would be a love of his that lasted his entire lifetime. He was a mentor to many when it came to hunting and fishing. He especially liked to fish in Canada, Lake Michigan, Park Rapids and any lake that had water. His hunting experience would draw him to Alexandria, Lac Qui Parle and North Dakota. He loved his hunting dogs and even the family schnauzers--even though they barked too much. He also loved to garden.
Bruce was a man who had many friends. Many of these friends were from the transportation business and many were Scott's fishing buddies to name a few. One good fishing buddy was David Mohn, the two of them would summer fish and ice fish. Another special friend was Ron Genrick, a former neighbor who did a lot of different activities together with Bruce. One childhood and lifelong friend was Chuck Bentson. He was very special to Bruce in telling old stories and remained at his bedside during Bruce's passing.
After graduating from Montevideo High School in 1959, Bruce entered the military and served his country proudly. Much of his time in the Army involved being stationed in Germany.
Shortly after his discharge from the military, a young lady, Sandra Femrite made a comment to her neighbors about this Bruce Hocum being a nice person in high school as they were acquaintances only in high school. That comment from Sandra was passed onto Bruce and the rest is history. They were united in marriage on January 25, 1964 at Our Saviours Lutheran church in Montevideo.
Bruce thoroughly enjoyed his forty plus years in the transportation business. After working many years with Rubenstein Logistic Services, he purchased the company in 1998. He has remained the owner and operator of that business up until his death. He loved going to work everyday.
Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Sandy Hocum; chilren Scott (Lisa) Hocum of Prior Lake, Brad Hocum of New Market; grandchildren, T. J., Carly, and Tyler Hocum; broth Bob (Cheryl) Hocum of Alexandria, MN. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Ellswoth and Deloris (Ruud) Hocum.
On July 4, 2010, while in the loving care of his family, Bruce entered God's arms.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 8, 2010 from 4:00-8:00pm at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home in Prior Lake, MN and also at the church one hour prior to the service. Bruce's Celebration of Life Service will be Friday, July 9th, 11 AM at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, Prior Lake, MN. Interment will be at Spring Lake Cemetery in Prior Lake, MN. Urnbearers will be Chuck Bentson and David Mohn.
