Bruce Taylor Van Metre

March 15, 2025

Bruce Taylor Van Metre, age 71, died in his home in Decatur, IL on March 15, 2025.

Bruce was born on May 16th, 1953 to Marvin Van Metre and Jean Van Metre, née LaRue, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was in Wisconsin that he developed a lifelong passion for the Green Bay Packers. He earned a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics at Southern Illinois University, where he met his wife and fellow math nerd, Jo Van Metre, née Fiene. They raised their family in Springfield, IL, where Bruce worked for the State of Illinois until his retirement. Bruce was a beloved husband, father of four, and grandfather of nine.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Jean, and his sister, Linda Wernz. He is survived by his wife, Jo, sisters Kay Plummer and Jill Stoffels, and brother David Van Metre. He is also survived by children Paul VanMetre (Adrienne Powers), Mary Morris (Willam Morris), Katie McVay (Jesse McVay), and Kevin VanMetre (Lydia VanMetre), as well as grandchildren Cameron (Hannah), Aurora, Siona, Patrick, Felix, Martin, Josephine, Henry, and George.

In lieu of a formal service, the family will gather privately. The family requests any memorial contributions be made to the ALS Association in preference to flowers.