Bruce E. Eisele died on Aug. 9, 2016 at his home in Umatilla at the age of 66.
He was born on March 17, 1950 in Pendleton to Gordon and Elvira Schindele Eisele. Bruce was raised and attended schools in Umatilla. He graduated from high school and enlisted in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Bruce was assigned to the USS Hornet as a fireman when they recovered the astronauts from the Apollo 11 Mission in the ocean. After his honorable discharge he returned to Umatilla where he has lived since. He has worked as a heavy equipment operator for Jones Scott/Umatilla Redi Mix for many years. Bruce enjoyed rock collecting, gemology, cars, mechanic-ing, history, watching westerns and Antique Road Show, and loved animals.
He is survived by his mother: Elvira Eisele, Umatilla, OR; sister: Yvonne Terjeson & her husband Jerry, Helix, OR; niece: Christena Krieger & her husband Travis, Aloha, OR; nephew: Thomas Terjeson & his wife Coree, Helix, OR; great nieces: Seraphine & Mazee; great nephew: Jens; and Penny Dog.
Bruce was preceded in death by his father: Gordon Eisele and his brother: Albert Eisele.
A graveside funeral service with military honors will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016 at 1 p.m. at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Umatilla.
In lieu of flowers those who wish may make contributions in Bruce’s memory to a charity of your choice.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
