Bruce King

Bruce R. King, age 79, of Hudson passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 25, 2017. Bruce was born in St. Paul, MN on November 22, 1937 to Bruce and Florence (Hedlin) King. He attended Hudson High School graduating with the Class of 1956. Bruce proudly served his country in the National Guard. Bruce was united in married to Betty “Betz“ (Chilgren) and together they were blessed with four children; Keith, Debra, Pamela and Richard. Although their lives took different paths, they remained life long friends. He spent over 40 years as a truck driver for Chippewa Motor Freight and Yellow Freight; he was also a 30 year member of the Teamsters Local 120 of St. Paul. After Bruce retired, he worked for the City of Hudson at the Lakefront Park Boat Launch, as well as watered floral baskets on Main Street and the city parks.

In his younger years Bruce enjoyed playing softball for the Badger Room, The Big Orange, and Andy’s Bar. He made it important to maintain high school friendships and treasured the times he spent with his buddies. Bruce always looked forward to Sunday coffee with his brothers, sisters and family members. He cherished his time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, fondly anticipated the annual Fourth of July gatherings and the King family fish frys. Bruce was smart with his finances, clipping and using coupons even if he didn’t need the item on sale. His thriftiness allowed his children to shop in his pantry for items they needed. He had a strong work ethic and found it most important to him, even if he had to go without. Bruce appreciated the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons, brothers and friends. He took delight in bringing his dog, Jake, to Lakefront Park for walks. Bruce’s special love for animals led him to make a contribution to Gregory’s Gift of Hope, a no-kill animal rescue organization.

Bruce will remain in the hearts of his children; Keith Allen (Marion) King of St. Paul, Debra Lee (Dan Scray) Andrews of Hudson, Pamela Jean (Joseph) Deutsch of Baldwin, and Richard Dale (Kristi) King of Woodbury; and life long love and mother of his children, Betty “Betz” King of Hudson; sisters, Joyce (Dave) Waldera, Donna Stewart, Suzie (Doug) VanDyke, Rosemary (Art) Kunze; brothers, Jim and Jeff King; grandchildren, Keith Jr., Sarah, Alvina, Blake, Brandon, Tricia, Valerie, and Richard Jr.; great-grandchildren, James, Mason, Henry, Max, Ameera, Keegan, Maxwell, Brett, Ivy, Leo and Brynlee; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Dale, Donald, and Gary King; parents, Bruce and Florence King; brother-in-law, Jim Stewart; Kathy Beard of St. Croix Beach with whom he spent many loving years; special companion, Jan Beauchamp; and his yellow lab, Jake.

A Memorial Gathering will be held 4-7pm on Wednesday, August 30, at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson, WI, with a Celebration of Bruce’s Life at 7pm. Private Interment will take place at Willow River Cemetery. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Adoray Hospice for their loving care and comfort to Bruce and his family. Any memorial contributions will be put towards a Lakefront Park bench in memory of Bruce.