Bruce Mullendore

Bruce Mullendore, age 90, of Viola, passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024. He was born on May 20, 1934, to the late Clarence and Helen (Lepley) Mullendore, the youngest of four children. Bruce was a 1952 graduate of Viola High School and was a graduate of UW-Madison for Animal Husbandry. On June 9, 1956, he married Virginia Baker at the Sylvan EUB Church. Bruce joined the United States Army, playing clarinet in the 25th Infantry Division Band, and being honorably discharged in 1958. His passion for clarinet continued to his four children, who all learned to play.

His community involvement was not only isolated to Viola, but it expanded to other communities that his grandchildren were involved in. Bruce was always involved with sporting events, school musicals and plays, and county and state fairs, which he and Viriginia would later travel long distances to support their grandchildren in all events. In 1999, Bruce received the Friend of Education Award from the Kickapoo Teachers’ Association for his years of dedication to assisting in sporting events. Whether it was running the timing clock in basketball or spotting in football games, Bruce was always serving the school, even spending time on the Kickapoo School Board.

Bruce and Virginia both served as 4-H Club leaders for decades, but Bruce also served as President of the 4-H Leaders Association. His passion for animals overflowed into his work with sheep, but also his community service involved in the Viola Horse and Colt Show, winning a car that was raffled off. Bruce was well-known for shearing sheep, which he had done for over 50 years. Shearing thousands of sheep, Bruce used his wealth of knowledge to teach his talents and secrets to anyone who was willing to learn the trade.

Bruce is survived by his four children: Bryan (Linda), Lori Mullendore, Andy (Jennifer), and Julie (Kent) Schulte; his grandchildren: Matthew (Jill), Rachel (Mitch) Kriz, Jake (Nikki), Kelli (Lance) Fritz, Brittany (Kyle) Welbes, Natalie (Garrett) Leis, Nathan, Noah, Nikayla, Trevor (Elise Seery) Schulte, Megan (Alex Nienhaus) Schulte, and Brianna Schulte; great-grandchildren: Fynn, Lincoln, Eliza, Mya, Nolan, and Roger who is due December 11; and his sister, Reba Dunbar. He is further survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law: June Baker, Alice (LaVerne) Phillips, Mauretta Sanford, Bill (Julienne) Baker, Carol Dortman, and Alberta (John) Baker, long-time family friend and classmate, Pat Schroeder, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 62 years, Virginia; daughter, Lisa Mullendore; siblings, Virgene (Chuck) Engberg and George (Dorothy) Mullendore; and brothers and sisters-in-law: George Dunbar, Floyd Baker, Larry Baker, James Baker, Jim Sanford, and Steve Dortman.

A Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the Viola United Methodist Church. Reverend Johan Ferrer will officiate. A visitation will be held on Friday, December 6, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Viola United Methodist Church with a visitation on Saturday one-hour prior to the service. Bruce will be laid to rest at the Viola Cemetery next to his wife following the service.

Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home & Crematory in Viroqua is serving Bruce's family.

123 W. Decker Street

Viroqua, WI 54665

(608) 637-2100