Bruce Freeland

Bruce Freeland, 61 of Coatesville, Indiana passed away unexpectedly, August 29, 2024 in rural Hendricks County. 

Friends and family will gather on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 4 pm to 7 pm, at Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home in Pittsboro, Indiana.  The funeral service will be held the following day, Friday, September 6, 2024, at 10 am in the funeral home.  Bruce will be laid to rest following the funeral service in Sparks Cemetery in Pittsboro, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Little Red Door Cancer Agency, 1801 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202 https://www.littlereddoor.org/

~Below is a loving tribute and remembrance provided by the Freeland family ~

Bruce was born to Ronald and Pamela Freeland on April 23, 1963 in Hendricks County, Indiana. He was the eldest and wisest of four. After his dad passed in 1988, Bruce stepped into the role of “man of the family” and did everything he could to support and care for his loving mother. This care continued for the rest of his life. He enjoyed taking her and her special dog, Henry, on trips to Dairy Queen. His love and support for Pam was unconditional and consistent. 

In the years after his father's passing, Bruce also made sure that his three younger sisters, who he adored, were protected and ready for the world. Each of his sisters looked up to Bruce for guidance and support in all areas of their lives. They had a great love for each other, and had a closer bond than many siblings enjoy.

Bruce was highly intelligent, was a critical thinker, and loved teaching others. His mind was like no other mind we knew. He had the rare ability to speak intelligently on many topics, which he combined with his common sense to be relatable to others. He was a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Structural Engineering. After graduation he worked for Phoenix Fabricators and Erectors. 

Scouting was important to Bruce, and he spent many hours working with local troups, even after his boys were no longer involved with the program. He attended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Greencastle, Indiana.

Bruce had a larger than life personality. He was brutally honest and loyal. As an engineer, he was a problem solver and could fix anything (except for his big heart and bad back). He was always available to help his friends and family, as well as the strangers on the street. He would often lean over to his wife and say "would you like to make someone's day?" and then they would take off to a friend's house and mow their yard. That way, when the friends got home from work they had the rest of the day to spend as a family. 

Bruce was highly involved in his kids' lives and one of their biggest supporters. He loved them dearly and was proud of the adults they became. He communicated with them often, and cherished all of the interactions he had with them. His kids also provided him with one of his greatest joys, his grandchildren. Bruce loved sharing pictures of them with his friends. The grandkids loved him as much as he loved them. When they were together fun and laughter filled the room. He was their "Silly Papah". 

Bruce and his wife loved to travel, spend time on their boat, camp, kayak, and attend numerous sporting events, especially when he could cheer on his Boilermakers. He and his wife loved long drives through the country--taking the road less traveled--and sitting together on their swing watching all of the birds in their yard. Life for them was always best when they were together.

His family was his pride and joy. Bruce is preceded in death by his dad, Ronald Freeland. He is survived by his beautiful wife, Lisa Freeland; loving mom, Pamela Freeland; spunky sisters: Jenni (Brian) Alexander, Amy (David) Smith, and Kathi (Tom) Ross; his kids (who were still kids in his eyes): Benjamin Sprout, Keegan (Nic) Sprout, Tyler (Kristi) Sprout, Jonna (Bryce) Cummings, Rob (Tori) Gootee, Ashley (Nick) Christman, and Rebecca (Nick) Klooz; and his favorites, the grandkids: Olivia, Khloe, Eleanor, Natalie, Kenzie, Blake, and Declan. Bruce had nieces and nephews who were very important to him. They looked up to and enjoyed spending time with their uncle. He loved joking with them and was an integral part of their lives. He is also survived by at least ten unfinished DIY projects. 

He will be remembered dearly by all who knew him.

Arrangements are entrusted to Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Pittsboro. All are encouraged to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers in this incredibly difficult time.