Bruce Bubenzer

Dec 31, 1938 — Jun 18, 2026

Fishers

Bruce Bubenzer, 87, of Fishers, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, at St. Vincent Hospital, surrounded by family, following complications from a tragic fall at home.

Born on December 31, 1938, in Tell City, Indiana, during a scarlet fever quarantine, Bruce entered the world at home under extraordinary circumstances—a fitting beginning for a man whose life would be marked by resilience, determination, and strength of character.

In his younger years, Bruce was an accomplished athlete. He played football at Lawrence Central High School and excelled as an individual low-hurdler, earning the township's first ever state championship. He later attended Wabash College in Crawfordsville on a track scholarship, earning a degree in Liberal Arts. He also served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed at the US Naval Station in San Diego.

Bruce began his career at Henry C. Smither Roofing. In 1984, with partners Dorwin Burdine and Mike Hutchings, he co-founded Nu-Tec Roofing, helping grow the company into a successful business with operations in both Indianapolis and Tampa. Bruce remained deeply committed to his work until his retirement in 2018. He took great pride not only in the business he helped build, but also in the people alongside whom he worked, always willing to lend a hand or support those who needed him.

Bruce had a lifelong love for golf. An avid golfer and a true purist of the game, he was known for his unwavering respect for the rules and his determination to play from the back tees long after most would have moved forward. Some of Bruce’s happiest moments were spent on the golf course, enjoying the game he loved and the friendships it brought him. He cherished his years at Hillcrest Country Club and The Sagamore Club, as well as the many trips he made to Myrtle Beach for the World Amateur Handicap Championship.

Beyond his accomplishments, Bruce will be remembered most for the way he treated others. He was spiritual, kind-hearted, honest, gentle, humble, and deeply compassionate. He was generous with his time, his resources, and his heart, forgiving in nature, and a gifted storyteller who could capture a room with his warmth, humor, and wisdom.

Bruce lived by Theodore Roosevelt’s enduring words: “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena”—a fitting reflection of the courage, conviction, and grace that defined his life.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Eloise Bubenzer; his first wife, Gerry Haupt; his brother, Bob Bubenzer; his sister, Brenda Gadd; and two sons, Bruce M. Bubenzer and Jeff Bubenzer.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Marilyn Bubenzer, whom he married on May 28, 1968. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and devotion. He is also survived by his children, Cindy Cook (Jeff), Laurel Ball (Steve), Tamara Wright, and daughter-in-law Joni Back-Bubenzer.

Bruce was a proud grandfather to Pete, Vanessa, Carrie, Austen, Cassidy, Matt, Abbey, Adam, Spencer, Stella, and Alex, and was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren. To his grandchildren, he was simply “Papa”—a steady source of love, wisdom, and warmth who had a special way of making each of them feel truly special.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bruce’s life on Wednesday, June 24, at Flanner and Buchanan – Washington Park East, 10722 East Washington Street, Indianapolis. Visitation will be held from 10:00–11:30 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11:30 a.m. The service will be officiated by a dear family friend, Minister Paula Cornett.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Same As U, a Noblesville-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live the life they imagine. Donations may be made online at SameAsU.org.

Bruce leaves behind a legacy of strength, integrity, faith, and love. Though he will be deeply missed, his steady presence will continue to be felt by his family and all who were blessed to know him.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Visitation

Wednesday, June 24, 2026
10:00 - 11:30 am (Eastern time)
Flanner Buchanan- Washington Park East
10722 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46229

Funeral Service

Wednesday, June 24, 2026
11:30 am - 12:30 pm (Eastern time)
Flanner Buchanan- Washington Park East
10722 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46229