John “Bruce” Holmquist went to live with the Lord on January 23, 2021. He was born to Ralph and Elsie Holmquist in 1931 and spent his childhood years in Bertrand, Nebraska. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and a Master’s Degree and a Doctor of Science Education Degree from Colorado State College (University of Northern Colorado) in Greely, Colorado. He did post-doctoral work at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Bruce was an educator all of his life and began by teaching high school science classes at Albion, Nebraska and Westside High School in Omaha, Nebraska, where he served as head of the Science Department. Later he started the OSACS (Omaha Suburban Area Council of Schools), was Science Consultant at ESU#3 (Education Service Unit), and spent twenty years as Science Consultant for Area Education Agency #13 in Iowa. Bruce Faithfully served his country during the Korean War and received an Honorable Discharge.

In 1953, Bruce Married his childhood sweetheart (Donna Maaske) and they were blessed with 67 years of marriage. Their three children are: Teresa (Dick) Wilcox, Amy (Tony) Jones, and Dan (Adrienne) Holmquist. Bruce was grandfather to Drs. Jenna (Tray) Ridlen, Drs. Nathan (Oksana) Jones, Rachelle (Tim) Nummela, Melissa (Daniel) Cress, David Jones, and Grace Holmquist and he was great-grandfather to Chase Jones, Tommy Nummela, Tindra Jones, and Margaux Ridlen. He is also survived by his siter: Ruth (Ben) Maaske of Lincoln and brother: Howard (Shari) Holmquist of Burwell, Nebraska.

Bruce was a faithful member of Lutheran Church of the Master since 1960 and served the Lord in many capacities, including teaching Bible Study classes and president of the congregation. He was active in numerous education organizations and especially loved his Bible Study Fellowship classes. At work he was known for his engaging smile and favorite greeting, even when it was cold and raining or snowing, “Beautiful Day!” He probably greeted Jesus with those same words – “Beautiful Day.” His favorite song was “Jesus is All the World to Me!”

“To live is Christ and to die is gain.” Phil 1:21

Memorials may be sent to Lutheran Church of the Master 2617 S 114th St, Omaha, NE 68144 or a charity of your choice.