Edward ‘Bruce’ Heikkinen

Bruce was born on January 4, 1938, and was raised in Tapiola, (located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula), to the late Axel and Edna (Nevala) Heikkinen, along with his eleven siblings. On July 24, 1965, he married the love of his life Helen Kathleen Niemi and the two celebrated 59 wonderful years of marriage together before Helen passed away in July just two weeks shy of their 60th wedding anniversary. Together they shared countless memories while raising their two sons, Jim and Jeff. Bruce was a member of St. Lorenz Lutheran Church in Frankenmuth, Michigan.

Bruce enlisted in the United States Navy in 1956 and served his country until he was honorably discharged in 1962. After the Navy, Bruce spent his entire career working as an electrician for National Broach and Machine. Bruce was an avid sports fan and had season tickets to the Detroit Lions and Detroit Red Wings for many years and enjoyed attending games with his sons and in later years his grandchildren. Bruce loved to bowl and bowled in several leagues throughout his life. Bruce carried with him a presence of wisdom and stoicism. He deeply cared about the people close to him, even if he was a man of few words. Bruce proved to all those who knew him that showing you love someone doesn’t have to just be said through words. He was an honest, hardworking man who always stuck to his word. Even towards the end of his life, Bruce held on to his witty sense of humor. No matter what, he could always make everyone laugh with his dry humor. As much as Bruce loved sports, he deeply loved his wife and hated to be apart from her. They were ALWAYS together so it is fitting that he did not have to spend Christmas without her.

Bruce will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. He is survived by his two sons James (Judy) Heikkinen and Jeffery (MaryBeth) Heikkinen and siblings: Lillian Kehus, (Richard), Jean Lehto, Janet Olson (Robert), Linda Wanhala, Diane Jurva (Leland), and Robert (Jill); grandchildren, Anthony and Jeffrey (children of James) and Rachael and Risto (children of Jeffery); and numerous nephews, nieces and extended family. He was proceeded in death by his beloved wife Helen on July 10, 2025 and multiple siblings: Norman (Lorraine), Helen Baakko, Wesley (Anita), Paul (Paulette), and Carol (died in infancy).

Funeral service took place on Sunday, January 4th (Bruce’s birthday) at 1:00 PM at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church 1030 W. Tuscola, Frankenmuth, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Lorenz Lutheran Church and School.

Arrangements entrusted to Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth. Please sign our guest book or share an online condolence with the family at www.cederbergfh.com.