In Memory of

Jeff Loser '81 said:

Bruce Charles Everetts, a loving husband, father, papa, and friend, passed away on April 29, 2026, at the age of 62. Bruce brought joy, strength, and had an easy-going nature that brightened every room he went in. He will truly be missed.

Born on August 27, 1963 in Peoria, Illinois to Tom and Marsha Everetts, Bruce lived an honest, practical, optimistic life, strong in faith, and was always willing to try new things. Bruce graduated from Illinois Valley Central in 1981 and then obtained his Bachelors Degree from Illinois College, graduating in 1985. Bruce began his career teaching science before switching to a career in State Government at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Bruce had steadfast love and devotion for his family. He was married to his beloved wife, Lisa, on November 18, 2017. They were together for over 26 years. Bruce found joy in his kids, Clint and Amanda, attending many sporting events in their early lives and offering guidance, support, and advice as they grew. Bruce’s love grew even more as he welcomed his two grandchildren, Paisley and Pruitt, who provided him immense excitement and joy.

Bruce loved the outdoors. Fishing, hiking, splitting wood, or enjoying a quiet evening on the lake brought him peace. He and Lisa cherished their early mornings together watching the sunrise over the beach or greeting their osprey friend, Harold, who nested in a nearby tree. Bruce always had a calm, quiet appreciation for the world around him.

He was fascinated by science, especially space exploration. Every launch from Cape Canaveral, Bruce was tugging on Lisa’s arm to get outside (no matter the hour), just to catch a glimpse of a rocket lighting up the sky. His enthusiasm was often contagious. Sometimes called the “walking encyclopedia”, Bruce had a seemingly endless supply of interesting facts about everything.

If something needed fixing, built, or tinkering with, Bruce was the one people turned to. He was never one to turn away a friend (or stranger) in need of his help.

Some probably know, but Bruce was a fierce competitor. He was an athlete through and through - a pitcher, basketball player, golfer, runner, and later a coach. He could be a bit mischievous at times, especially when it came to his older brother, Randy, a dynamic that brought laughter and stories that will live on in the family.

Bruce faced a long and difficult battle with cancer with courage, remarkable optimism, and head held high. Throughout it all, he never let his illness define him nor diminish his spirit. He made such close relationships in his fight-for-life journey. Bruce made it a priority to be with family and to continue traveling between treatments whenever possible. And throughout it all, he trusted the plan God had for him, which strengthened his faith and trust in God.

Bruce’s legacy is one of kindness, curiosity, adventure, and unwavering love. He leaves behind a family who will carry his memory forward in the stories they tell and the values he lived by every day.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Lisa Everetts; his children, Clint (Tressa) Everetts and Amanda (Frazier) Springfield; his grandchildren, Paisley Everetts and Pruitt Everetts. He is also survived by his mother, Marsha Everetts; his brother, Randy (Sally) Everetts; his niece and nephews, Allison (Dakota) Bagwell, Josh (Allison) Everetts, Jake Everetts; his in-laws, Anita (Dan) Brady and Connie (Steve) Ely, Alexa (Dave) Maziuk, and Andrew Ely. He was preceded in death by his father, Tom Everetts.