GREENWOOD
W. Bruce Laetsch, 92, passed gently in his sleep on Sunday, January 2, 2022. It is with sorrow, but also with a tremendous sense of peace and comfort that we say goodbye to our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His beloved wife of 60 years, Joyce, preceded him in death in 2012.
Bruce was born September 14, 1929 in the frontier town of Hailey, Idaho to Rev. Walter and Marie Laetsch. Being the child of a Baptist minister meant the family moved to several pastorates during Bruce’s youth, primarily in the state of Washington. When WWII began, Bruce’s father joined the Army Chaplain Corps and was assigned to Stout Field in Indianapolis, IN. The family settled in Irvington and Bruce attended Thomas Carr Howe High School his freshman year as did his future wife Joyce Ticen. As the war progressed, his father was reassigned to Ft. Benning, GA. When the war ended, the family once again settled in Indianapolis where Bruce finished his senior year at Howe HS. Bruce’s father was the new pastor at Garfield Park Baptist Church and happily this is where Joyce also attended. The couple began dating in 1948 during Bruce’s college years at Butler University where he majored in history and political science and played varsity tennis. After graduation, Bruce immediately left for Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in Quantico VA. On a weekend leave, he and Joyce were married by his father at Garfield Park Baptist, on November 11, 1951.
Bruce proudly served his country as a Marine Corps Officer in Korea in 1952. After the conflict ended, Bruce was discharged back to Indianapolis. He attended graduate school at Butler to obtain his teaching license and his master’s degree in education. During this time, he also joined the Marine Reserves and stayed active with them until he reached the rank of Major. Bruce taught at Wood High School from 1953-1978, one of only 5 teachers to have taught there the entire life of the school. After the closure of Wood HS, he headed social studies departments in other Indianapolis Public Schools: Thomas Carr Howe, Crispus Attucks, and finally Washington High School. He retired in 1991.
Bruce and Joyce settled in the Garfield Park area for their entire marriage and were devoted to that community. As a family, the Laetsch’s were always actively involved in their church communities which included Garfield Park Baptist, Broadway United Methodist, University Heights Methodist and finally, North United Methodist. Volunteer activities included a homeless shelter program called Interfaith Hospitality Network, Meals on Wheels, and Neighborhood Watch. Bruce also served for 6 years with the Citizens Police Complaint Board in Indianapolis. Both Bruce and Joyce enjoyed being very active in several tennis leagues up into their 80’s.
He is predeceased by his parents and more recently by both his sister, Margaret Rowland of Scottsdale, AZ and brother, Watson McMillan “Mac” Laetsch of Berkeley, CA. Bruce is survived by his children: Linda (Dale) Petrie of Crawfordsville, Donna (KC) Thomsen of Greenwood, Charles (Mary) Laetsch of Milton, GA, and James (Susan) Laetsch of New Palestine. He was the very proud grandfather of 3 granddaughters and 6 grandsons and the great-grandfather of 8 great-grandsons. Family and friends gathered for his 90th birthday event and it was a fitting celebration of a life well-lived and carried with it the respect and pride due to a wonderful man. We were blessed to have known you and are eternally grateful for the strong foundation of Christian values that you imparted.
The family would like to thank the nurses, caregivers, and friends who helped and visited him in these past months. Whether you called, visited, or sent cards please know it was much appreciated.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Singleton and St. Pierre at 7602 Madison Avenue in Indianapolis. In lieu of flowers, donations to North United Methodist Church 3808 North Meridian St. Indianapolis 46208 or to The Indianapolis Humane Society would be appreciated. Calling will be Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 2:00-4:00 pm at Singleton and St. Pierre. The memorial service will be at North United Methodist on Sunday January 16, 2022 at 1:00 pm. The service will be live streamed on northchurchindy.com. In care and safety for all who attend, we ask that everyone wear a mask. A private family burial will take place later this spring.
