Bruce Walter Church

Bruce Walter Church passed away July 30, 2023, at his home in Hurricane, Utah. Surrounded by his children, he departed this mortal life to reunite with his eternal sweetheart of 63 years in a spiritual embrace and a reunion that would be joyous to behold. Bruce came to earth June 9, 1941, as the firstborn child of Walter and Muriel Church in La Verkin, Utah. From an early age, he assisted his dad and grandpa Vernon on the family dairy farm with the daily responsibilities of milking cows. As such, he learned the virtues of dependability, hard work, and integrity, which served him well throughout his life and professional career. Bruce loved working alongside his uncles as they would share their military experiences and life lessons that filled him with patriotism and a strong desire to live life to the fullest and pursue invaluable experiences. On July 22, 1960, Bruce was sealed to his eternal sweetheart, Carol LaDean Tobler of Hurricane, Utah, and began to fulfill their wildest dreams. His life was marked by service and devotion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he demonstrated his love and dedication to our Savior and His Gospel. Bruce had a passion for science – specifically health physics, which launched him into the world of atomic energy and its radiological effects on the environment. Always true to the laws of physics, Bruce never faltered in his research and personal experiences when facing the political sways of his day. Ever the enthusiast for educating the public and dispelling their fears about nuclear science, Bruce founded the National Atomic Testing Museum, which came to fruition in March 2005. Later, in December 2011, the museum was designated an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, which was a proud moment for him. He enjoyed taking his family camping, fishing, and hunting in the great outdoors. Bruce had a love for gardening, tree arboriculture, and teaching his family self-reliance. Family reunions and cherished moments spent together were some of the highlights of his life. He was highly educated and possessed a wealth of knowledge and wisdom which he generously shared. He was a man of great character, an anchor to many, and he will be deeply missed as Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Friend, and Colleague. He is preceded in death by his precious wife, Carol LaDean and their four sons: Russell Bruce, Patrick Walter, John Ernest, Robert Ernest, and his honorable parents, Walter Haden & Muriel Stratton Church. He is survived by his loving children: Keith “Kim” Church (Denise); Katherine Madsen (Steve); Corey Church (Michole); Joey Church (Jamie); Jeffery Church (Viviane); Candice Howe (Peter). Additionally, Bruce leaves behind a posterity of 33 grandchildren: Bradley, Jeremy, Camille, Jennifer, Tyler, James, Christopher, Paul, Julia, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Michelle, Karely, Hayden, Megan, Braven, Emilee, Nicholas, Thomas, Michael, Jaylee, Tanner, Chloe, Tyson, Austin, Dean, Cecily, Brannin, Cameron, Alex, KateLyn, Eric, Aurora and 14 great-grandchildren: Henry, Ethan, Chloe, Jackson, Aubrey, Nora, Dakota, Milo, Daniel, Oliver, Kai, Addison, Calvin, Hazel. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 12:00 Noon in the LDS Chapel located at 1178 S. 700 W. Hurricane, Utah. A viewing will take place prior to the funeral 10:00 – 11:45 AM at the same location. Following the services, the interment will be at the Hurricane City Cemetery. https://zoom.us/j/95614643440?pwd=eGM1SmF5b3BuTDNsOHhvN1hIK0FXdz09 Meeting ID: 956 1464 3440 Passcode: 240285

Bruce Walter Church

June 9, 1941 - July 30, 2023