Dr. Bruce Duane Mentzer, Lt. Cmdr., USN Ret., died unexpectedly on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, at Union Hospital Emergency Room in Terre Haute, Ind., at the age of 57.
Dr. Mentzer is survived by his wife, Michelle, Terre Haute; and daughters, Anna Ruth, Austin, Texas, Rivkah Mikhael, Terre Haute, and Kirsten Noelle, Washington, D.C. He also is survived by his parents, William and Marjorie Mentzer, Iola; and his siblings, Jeanine Pumphrey, Wichita, Craig Mentzer, Neosho Falls, and Sherryl Abramson, Folsom, Calif.
Dr. Mentzer was born on Nov. 11, 1959, in Neosho Falls. He married Dr. Michelle (Strahm) Mentzer in 1981. He was a decorated veteran who retired after serving more than 20 years as a chaplain in the United States Navy, both active duty and in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He also served as a hospice chaplain at the time of his death for Intrepid Hospice of Terre Haute.
A memorial service was Sunday in Terre Haute. Military honors were provided by the U.S. Navy and the Vigo County Veteran Honor Guard. Burial will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Graves Memorial Library, Harding School of Theology, 1000 Cherry Rd., Memphis, TN 38117. Please include “Bruce Mentzer Memorial” in the notes section of the check.
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