Obituaries

Bruce E. Mercer

August 18th, 1952 – August 20th, 2019

Bruce E. Mercer, age 67 of Vermont, IL, passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at his cabin in rural Rushville, IL. He was born on August 18, 1952 in Macomb, IL, the son of Whitney and Mary Ellen (Hickle) Mercer. Bruce married Anita Bollinger on November 9, 1974 in Browning, IL. She survives.

Also surviving are his three sons, Josh Mercer, Adam (and Dawn) Mercer, and Brian (and Amy) Mercer, all of Vermont, IL, his mother Mary Ellen Farwell of Astoria, IL, and 8 grandchildren, Sydney Bainter, Noah Mercer, Jonas Mercer, Benjamin Mercer, Easton Mercer, Jamison Mercer, Briley Mercer, and Max Mercer.

Bruce was preceded in death by his father Whitney and his sister Jeanette Walters.

He worked at Caterpillar for 30 years and was owner and operator of Mercer's on Main Bowling Center in Vermont since 2010.

Bruce enjoyed bowling, golfing, and hunting. He was a die-hard St. Louis Cardinal fan and Illinois Fighting Illini fan. He loved his grandkids, spending time at the farm, and traveling.

Services will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at 3:00 pm at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, IL. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the services. Interment will be in the Vermont Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Vermont Fire Department or the Vermont Memorial Ball Park.

Condolences

August 22nd, 2019

Anita and family so sorry for your loss your family is in our thoughts and prayers

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim and Deb Park

August 22nd, 2019

This absolutely breaks my heart! Such a kind man! Prayers sent to family and God Bless! Jenni and Rodney Bollinger and family

August 22nd, 2019

Sorry for loss. Prayers for all the Family







Sorry for your loss. Prayers for all the family'Bill and Sharon Ackley

August 22nd, 2019

We are so saddened to hear this. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. We have many great memories of ball park days. Chuck and Melinda Barclay

August 22nd, 2019

We are so sad and heartbroken to hear of the loss of a great guy! Our thoughts and prayers are with the family! Rick and Kathy Heller

August 22nd, 2019

I am so sorry for your loss.
Tessie Savage

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry for your loss, prayers to you all... Wesley and April Stoneking

August 22nd, 2019

Anita and family, I am so very sorry. Bruce was a super nice guy. I will truly miss seeing him around. Many prayers and hugs to you all.

August 22nd, 2019

We are saddened to hear this.Bruce was such a sweet man and everyone loved him.Our Thoughts and prayers are with you. Brian And Jennifer Ackley

August 22nd, 2019

So sad to hear this.Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.❤ Jim and Robyn Dutton

August 22nd, 2019

Sorry for your loss sending prayers.

August 22nd, 2019

So for your Loss. I worked with Bruce at caterpillar and love talking to him. He will be missed. Eric Putman

August 22nd, 2019

So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Joanna Murphy

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry for your loss, many wonderful memories with the family. Dan and Barb Kendrick

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry to hear this. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Meredith and Lucille Kepple

August 22nd, 2019

Our sincere sympathy is sent to the entire Mercer family. You are in our prayers. Bruce was a good guy. - Mike and Pam France

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry for your loss. He was a good man and will be greatly missed.
Christy + Chloe Cracraft
Brandon + Luke Abernathy

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry for your loss Bill & Rosie Brockley

August 22nd, 2019

My sincerest condolences to the family.My thoughts and prayers are with you. Maria Bader-Lillard

August 22nd, 2019

Anita and family, We are so sad to hear of your loss. Prayers and hugs for all of your family. Bob and Susie Bucher

August 22nd, 2019

Sorry for your loss.Our thoughts are with the family Randy and Brenda Vaughn

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. Prayer to all of the family. Bill and Dee Jones

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry to hear of this.. our thoughts & prayers are with you all. He will truly be missed...Ketra & Jon Branson

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry for your loss. Thought and prayers are with you . Heather Worthington Asher

August 22nd, 2019

Anita and family, so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. Mary Ellen, my heart goes out to you too. Thoughts and prayers

August 22nd, 2019

Im so very sorry for your family's loss. Prayers and sympathies to you all. Bruce was a great man.

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry for your loss. Norma Jean Meehan and family

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace and strength for your family. Nikki Bernius

August 22nd, 2019

I'm so sorry for the loss of this great man. He will missed by many. Cyndy

August 22nd, 2019

What a great loss for your family. We have many great memories of Bruce. The Mercers were extremely welcoming to us when we were new to Vermont and shared many good times with our family. You are in our thoughts, Whitney & Joe Parrillo

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with your family. Sarah (Gossage) Otto

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry to hear this.. Bruce was a good man. Prayers for your family. Jim and Vicky Ackley

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry for your loss

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry to hear this! Bruce was a terrific guy! My thoughts and prayers are with your family! Rita and David Cassel

August 22nd, 2019

Sorry for your loss Bruce was truly a great person in all ways! Steve Sullivan

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry for your loss. Bruce was a great guy. Mike and Linda Blemler

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry to hear this. Thiugts and prayers to the family. Bruce will definitely be missed. Trish Little

August 22nd, 2019

Anita and the boys: there are no words to express the sorrow in my heart at the loss of Bruce. I really enjoyed the years I have known him. The memories will always be there, but the loss of your husband and father is hard. I am praying for all of you.

August 22nd, 2019

Anita and family, so sorry for your loss. You have my deepest condolences. Mary Wright McNeal

August 22nd, 2019

Our Deepest Sympathy Anita on your loss of Bruce, what a great person he was, never really a stranger to anyone, everyone like him.
Ora and Mary Welch

August 22nd, 2019

To all of Bruce's family and friends, I am so very sorry for your loss. I grew up in Vermont and had not seen him for many years but have heard so many good things about him. My heart goes out to you all and I'll be keeping you close in thought and prayer. Wanda (Baumgardner) Shannon

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry for your loss Anita an family he will be missed. Prayers from David an Juanita Hammack an family.

August 22nd, 2019

So very sorry for your loss💔 Just remember he is in Heaven helping Grandpa Stan and Dad and everyone else build our kingdom in Heaven Until we meet again 🙏Shaun and Mindy Hickle ❤️

August 22nd, 2019

I am so sorry for your loss. Prays are with you. Evonne Hilliard, Bras Hunter and family

August 22nd, 2019

So saddened to hear of Bruce passing. My thoughts and prayers going out to Anita and his family. Barbara Morse

August 22nd, 2019

We are sadden by your loss...and send our love to yall.....Jim and Kathy

August 22nd, 2019

I cannot begin to tell you what a shock this was to Butch and I! Your family and ours have been friends so many years, and, and he was such a great guy! He will truly be missed by so many! Please accept our heart-felt sympathy to you all! May God comfort you all in the days ahead, and give peace through the many
wonderful memories he leaves behind! We love and care for you all...so sorry and know we share in th sorfow

August 22nd, 2019

In your sorrow...Butch and LaRita and family...

August 22nd, 2019

Our sympathy to the entire Mercer family. Bob Young & Debbie Douglas

August 22nd, 2019

Anita, Josh, Adam, Brian and families-Like so many others we are shocked and saddened to hear of the huge loss of Bruce who was an avid Cardinal fan and a good guy in everyone's eyes. He will surely be missed. Prayers for the entire family.
Mike and Marla Rumler and family

August 22nd, 2019

Prayers to all of the Mercer’s ,He will be missed by all. 🌹 Karen White.

August 22nd, 2019

The word of Bruce's passing was a shock, and we join his family in their sorrow. Rod and Sara Boynton

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry for your loss. You are in our thought and prayers. Paul and Vicki Remy

August 22nd, 2019

Anita and family we are very saddened to hear of Bruce's passing. We always enjoyed his company when we came down to visit. This wonderful man will be greatly missed. You are in our prayers. Tim and Dee Tvrdik

August 22nd, 2019

Anita and family..so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. He will truly be missed. Great friend for many years.....Anni Mitchell

August 22nd, 2019

Anita and family, so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Praying that God gives everyone peace and comfort in the many difficult days ahead. Mike and Donna Shirley

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry for your loss

August 22nd, 2019

Mike and I are so sorry to hear of your loss of Bruce, Anita and Family! Bruce was a “Friend” to everyone! Mike enjoyed riding with Bruce All those years to Caterpillar to work!! Our thoughts & prayers to All of You, Anita!! 🙏🙏. Mike and Peg Davis

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry for your loss.
Jim, Karen and Allen Hopkins

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Mike and Linda Blemler

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry for your loss..thoughts and prayers for the whole family..Bobby and Gretchen Belville

August 22nd, 2019

anita and family, so sorry for your loss. bruce was always a good friend to maurie. maurie enjoyed bpwling and golfing with him prayers for comfort and peace as you go through this time .kathy cox

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry for your loss prayers to your family

August 22nd, 2019

Anita and family, it was so hard to hear of Bruce's passing. I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a great guy and cousin. He'll be greatly missed. Love and hugs to all.

August 22nd, 2019

I am so sorry for your loss. Bruce was a fine man and will be missed greatly.

August 22nd, 2019

Bruce was one of the good guys. Many great memories of growing up with him. So sorry for your loss. Job and Paula Marshall

August 22nd, 2019

Our community will forever feel a hole!! I and my family have u in our prayers. Love ,Cindy Ford

August 22nd, 2019

We are deeply saddened and so sorry for your loss....prayers of strength coming your way....Bob & Michele Sheets...

August 22nd, 2019

So sorry to hear about your families loss. Thoughts & Prayers for all. Steve & Pam Burget.

August 22nd, 2019

Sorry for the loss of Bruce he was a great guy your family is in our prayers Greg and Carrie Hollenback

August 22nd, 2019

Anita and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort and strength. Bob and Melba Baker

August 22nd, 2019

Anita and Family, so very sorry for your loss. Praying for peace during the difficult days ahead. Pat Yost

August 23rd, 2019

Anita and family,our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Dale and Linda Pittman

August 23rd, 2019

Anita and family, so sorry for your loss. Bruce was truly a good guy. Sending prayers for all.

August 23rd, 2019

Anita and family, so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for all. Penni Stracker and family

August 23rd, 2019

So very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you. Christy Stambaugh Miller

August 23rd, 2019

So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family. Mike and Cathy Ulmer

August 23rd, 2019

To Anita and family love you all so much you are in my heart and prayers

August 23rd, 2019

Anita sorry to hear about your loss. Sending prayers for your family. Beverly Treadman

August 23rd, 2019

Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers going out to the entire Mercer family. God nless

August 23rd, 2019

Anita and family I’m so sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. He was a great guy and Jack and I had some fun times with you guys. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Karen Lamm and Josh

August 23rd, 2019

Anita, boys and Aunt Mary, I was so saddened to hear about Bruce, he is such a great person and loved by many. He will be greatly missed. Sending prayers and hugs to the family. Love you all, cousin Laura and family in Tennessee

August 23rd, 2019

So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Nancy Rutledge

August 23rd, 2019

So sorry to hear this. Our prayers 🙏 are with you and your family. Bill and Marcia Hollenback

August 24th, 2019

So sorry for your loss.
Thoughts and prayers for all of you.
The Taylor’s, Gary, Bev, Miranda

August 24th, 2019

Soo sorry for your family's loss. My prayers go out for all of you. ..-Mary Bruketta-Waller and family

August 24th, 2019

Anita so sorry to hear about Bruce, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Donna Bollinger and family.

August 24th, 2019

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, so sorry for your loss. Daniel and Becky Hamm

August 25th, 2019

So sorry for your family's loss. Thoughts and prayers for all of his family. Janey Ford

August 25th, 2019

Deepest condolences to all the family, and special thoughts for Mary Ellen who has been a Cox family friend, going back many years. Prayers for you all. Gary & Cheryl (Cox) Matteson

August 25th, 2019

Anita and family, so sorry for your lose, and our dear friend Mary Ellen, our hearts go out to you. May God wrap his arms around all of you at this difficult time. Love and prayers. Tommy and Pam Trone.

August 25th, 2019

Deepest sympathy to the Mercer family. My thoughts and prayers are with Mary Ellen too. Hugs and prayers sent for each of you. Cheryl Reimolds

August 25th, 2019

Sending our deepest condolences to all the family. Bruce was definitely a very nice guy,one of a kind who will be missed by all. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Darin and Lisa Kreps

August 26th, 2019

Aunt Anita & Family,
We’re so sorry to hear about Uncle Bruce. I remember him as a soft-spoken, quiet bearded giant. Much love and hugs. Praying you find peace and comfort through this time.
Love & prayers,
Rich & Alycia Weaver

August 26th, 2019

Anita and family, so sorry to hear of your loss! Prayers and thoughts are with you. God bless,
Alice Huggins

August 26th, 2019

Anita and family so sorry to hear about Bruce’s passing, may the good lord give you and yours comfort . Todd Carithers