Alex Bruce
Dicker
Celebration of Life for Alex Bruce Dicker, 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Full Gospel Church 2830 S. River Road, West Bend, WI 53095
Alex Bruce Dicker
1957 – 2024
On August 3, 2024, Alex Bruce Dicker, Age 67, finished his earthly journey unexpectedly and joined His heavenly father. He was preceded in death by his father; Curt Dicker, mother; Gertrude Wittmoser, and sister Patti. He is survived by his spouse; Judith Dicker; Brother Evans (Hans)Dicker, sister-in law: Cathleen Ali; brother Curt and family; Sister, Carmen and brother-in-law Don Lettre and family; and many nephews, nieces and their families.
Alex Bruce, better known as Bruce, was vibrant, charming, and lovable. Many times, his personality was described as “bigger than life”. He could walk in and light up a room with his vivacious smile, craziness and sense of humor. He loved life and continually strived at staying positive, uplifting the spirits and encouraging others around him. His objective was to make others laugh and forget about their problems.
One of the best descriptions of Bruce was given by a friend, “You could be in a large room, full of people, but when talking with Bruce, he would make you feel you were the only one in the room.” Bruce did his best to be compassionate and kind. To him, everyone mattered; rich or poor, young or old, everyone he met or communicated with was a person of importance and value.
He was extremely studious, and an avid reader on a wide variety of topics. He was intelligent, college educated and received training in Washington DC, Virginia and received many certifications in advanced education and extensive training in his fields of employment. He was the recipient of numerous awards, letters of appreciation, and accommodations for his ability as a team player, a speaker and lecturer, and for working on and completing special projects during his employment.
Bruce was a world traveler to over 40 countries, and worked at several US Embassies, and US Consulates; his last position was at NATO in Brussels, Belgium.
Earlier in his career he was a full-time professional Magician. After retiring from being full time he continued to be a member of the world-famous magic castle in Hollywood California and perform Embassies and US Consulate functions in many countries of the world, attended by Ambassadors, high raking military officials, dignitaries and politicians. One of the most significant performances was for the Enchanted Ball at the US Ambassador’s house in Moscow, Russia.
Bruce had the ability to oversee and build a structure from the ground up. He also loved buying and selling antiques and collectibles, he was a published author, an artist, and skilled as a guitarist.
Bruce was fully dedicated to his religious beliefs and acknowledged God as the creator and his friend. A God that not only was his friend but wanted to be a friend to everyone, giving hope and helping them meet any challenges they faced.
Bruce was a sensitive, attentive and caring husband and he made his wife Judy feel cherished and loved. He deeply cared about his family and friends. The world was a better place while Alex Bruce Dicker was here. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Celebration of Life for Alex Bruce Dicker, 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Full Gospel Church 2830 S. River Road, West Bend, Wisconsin 53095
I’m so sorry for the loss of Bruce. He was a bright light and the world is a bit darker without him here.
Thnak you Jenny. Your comment was appreciated.
Thank you Jenny. Your comment was appreciated.
Thank you for your comment about Bruce, Jenny.
Wow, I guess making a reply to first comment in the guest book has been a learning experience for me. The computer’s response made me believe the comment was not getting posted.
Jenny, now you really know how much your comment was appreciated.
Bruce was my best friend, soul mate, and love of my life! We laughed, cried together and traveled the world. Living with him was an adventure; a great one. He faced every challenge in life doing his best to keep a positive attitude. He had a loud hardy laugh and he loved to tease me and make me laugh. Many times he refused to go out with his buddies so that he could spend time with me. I encouraged him to get out more but it did make me feel really loved when he told me he would rather be with me. When he did get with others he was the life of the party. He was compassionate and kind to, not only me, but lived his life trying to make others feel valued and important. I miss him so much but take comfort in knowing he is in a better place.
My sincere condolences for your loss. In a year of working with Bruce here at USNATO, I never observed him without a smile on his face- no matter how gloomy the weather. His consistently positive attitude was appreciated by all with whom he came in contact. Reading this obituary, it is clear he brought the same enthusiasm and cheer in to all his relationships and pursuits. Thinking of Bruce’s family and close friends at this difficult time.
Sir, your comment was very much appreciated. Thank you!
Deepest condolences to the entire family. Bruce was a treasured colleague at the U.S. Mission to NATO. Always ready with a kind word and a warm smile, and showing genuine interest in everyone he met. We miss him.
Rick Holtzapple
Deputy Chief of Mission, USNATO
Bruce was a bright light here in the U.S. Mission to NATO. He never let the stress of our mission here get to him. Instead, he lifted up all his colleagues with his laugh, great stories, and his smile. He made everyone feel appreciated and heard. He is deeply missed. Condolences to his wife Judy and his wider family.
Julie Smith
Ambassador, U.S. Mission to NATO
Bruce was a one of a kind and a key part of my childhood. I have so many great memories of working with him on rental properties, assisting him with his magic shows, him teaching me funny German words and his prank calls.
Bruce brought laughter to every room he was in. He visited me in the hospital when I had lung surgery and I was laughing so hard I probably did more damage.
There’s so much more I could say, but words can’t capture the profound impact he had on my life.
He is deeply missed.
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Bruce Dicker was my brother in the Lord, my friend and someone who earned my love as a great person. When Bruce first started to attend The Apostolic Bible Church he was in a motorcycle accident I visited him in the hospital. All the doctors and nurses I saw got along and liked Bruce. It was the first time I prayed for Bruce alone.. When I found out Bruce was gonna marry best friend and sister by another mother Judy Wasmundt I was very happy for them. When I expressed my feelings to Bruce I added that I liked Judy’s other dummy Randy Dandy better than her new one. (Judy and her dummy Randy Dandy had a Children’s ministry). During one his ministry/magic shows Bruce asked me to come up and help him, which I did. He had a rat trap I had a few just like that at home. Bruce set the trap off several times he would string the trap with a piece of wood, it almost snapped the wood. Bruce asked me if I trusted him I said I did he asked me this question several more times then told me to put my hand in the rat trap and set off the trigger. I looked at Bruce and almost put my right hand in the trap then pulled it out saying just in case and tripped the trigger with my left hand and nothing happened. There was some way he could disarm the trap. But Bruce was an excellent preacher, I really enjoyed his messages. I still find it hard to except the fact that Bruce is not with us on God’s green grass. But I plan on seeing Bruce again when on that glorious day when Jesus comes back to claim his bride. 1 Thess 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
KJV
One picture of Bruce sitting on Judy’s lap. (almost)
BRUCE, a true legend, There will never be another one like him. Yes, he was larger than life. I am heartbroken for his loss and the loss for Judy. Being left by a husband of 45 years, I know my heart aches for her.
Bruce is the one person that could make me just laugh. He always made you feel welcome and was a great friend.
I am truly torn that I can be in Wisconsin for his celebration of Life. But if any one deserves a life to celebrate, it is Bruce Dicker.
I was shocked to hear about the passing Bruce and certainly want to share some memories and praise.
This was a person who made a significant contribution to our diplomatic work abroad.
I have often heard the phrase, “His life was beyond the normal” 0r something like this. Such a remark is frequently merely a polite comment, but in Bruce’s case, especially in the last 17 or so years, his life was anything but ordinary or normal. This was a person who served as a contractor at our missions abroad in Moscow, Kabul, Shanghai and Brussels–frequently in a hostile or high-stress environment. I knew him during my tour in Shanghai (2010-13), where we would frequently see each other in the hallways, go out to lunch (I remember us going to various hole-in-the-wall establishments for lunch–many colleagues wouldn’t be brave enough to patronize such places, but Bruce was). I knew that whenever I bounced a problem off Bruce to hear his thoughts, he would come back with a commonsensical suggestion. We also socialized outside the office. We kept in touch after I departed Shanghai, since we shared interests in history and coin-collecting.
I wish Bruce had entered the State Department or Defense Department (or take your pick of any department) at an early age, as he had a unique ability to cope with any environment or difficulties, while maintaining an admirable sang froid. Regarding the latter, many people are said to possess this trait, but few really do.
He was characterized by a wonderful sense of humor–as many of the other people above have commented–but he also could capture an audience on the street instantly by pulling a rose out of the ear of someone at a flea market, or at a social event. Of course I’m referring here to his talents as a magician. But his magic didn’t end with tricks and sleights-of-hand. He exemplified the adage, “Always remember the big picture.” In other words, he wasn’t knocked off-balance by peripheral difficulties.
He could also do a rendering on his guitar of any standard rock song that Secretary of State Blinken might envy.
As a so-called “China hand,” I marveled more than once at his ability to capture the attention of and secure the goodwill of any crowd, without even knowing any of the language. “He’s doing a better job at promoting good relations than most ambassadors,” I said–but of course, I didn’t say this too loudly. And this comes around to the point that when you’re working overseas, everybody is an ambassador for the U.S.–whether you want to be or not. Bruce was a very effective one. Thanks amigo.
You know, of all the people I ever met, Bruce was certainly one of them. And if you knew Bruce, he’d have told you the same thing, about 10 times and yet it never got old. He was the type of guy you couldn’t forget because his personality was larger than life. He always had a corny joke to tell, since after all, his uncle was a “kernel” so he told me. he he was a character, and he always made my day.
Bruce was my dear friend, and he will be greatly missed, I will remember and cherish the fun and goofy times we had together at work and going on the hunt at flea markets. He loved his wife Judy dearly, as he expressed to me many times. More importantly, he had a strong faith in Christ. He told me if it wasn’t for Jesus saving his life when he was a young man, he wouldn’t be here. Jesus changed the very direction and course of his life, and as a result he was able to impact a multitude of people by spreading the joy and good news of our Lord and Saviour. Rest well my friend. And may God bless your family and and thank you for the good memories,
Though my time knowing Bruce was short, he always had a smile and a quick wit about him when he stopped by to chat. I recall interrupting his mid morning snack and he offered me his, which I politely refrained. That is the type of man he was; caring, sharing, compassionate, funny, knowledgeable, and persistent. He is missed.
I’m so sorry to hear about Bruce passing. I know it hurts everyday. I remember him being funny and helpful and a great friend to anybody he met. Judy I will call you I think about you two often . I know he loved you and you see it . I hope you are able to talk to him and see him before he went to our Heavenly father. Call me anytime you want to I don’t know that I can do any thing but listen. I’m sorry and will pray for God to have his hand on your shoulder . always!
Bruce was my best friend ( a long with his brother Hans ) No one can fill the void that’s left in my heart for him . I never had a bad experience with Bruce . I only have fun happy memories. He’s the perfect example of perfection when it comes to friendship . RIP my friend . See you on the other side .
Thank you Bob. you were a great friend to Bruce!
We have enjoyed our friendship with Bruce and will truly miss him. I know that he has been an anchor to his flakey little blonde and the love of her life. It is heartbreaking this side of heaven but we shall see him again with all our brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Wow, so that is what you really think of me. did you have to let the whole world know? Why not keep them thiking most of them didn’t know me. Anyway, I know it wasn’t’really about me so thanks for posting something good about Bruce. It was appreciated!
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The attached picture was taken Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at South Pier Parlor in Sheboygan where Bruce treated Kurt Pieper and I to ice cream cones. Pictured from left to right are me, Kurt, and Bruce. This was to be the first of many get togethers we were going to have once Bruce retired and moved back to Wisconsin. As it turned out, it was our last.
Bruce was so full of life and just loved people! He was the consummate entertainer. He held a lot of gravity and was usually most comfortable being the center of attention.
Bruce was a devoted husband to Judy – who helped turn his life around and mold him into the amazing man he became. The two of them were a very special team on a mission to bring joy to not only each other, but everyone they met. And they succeeded!
Bruce was kind and generous. He was intelligent and quick with his wit. He would send funny emails every other day to a group of his friends. I didn’t agree with his politics, but that was ok because we had an unspoken agreement to accept each other’s views – an attitude I am sure he shared with everyone.. He always had jokes to share and always wore a boyish smile with his blonde hair and bright blue eyes. He always looked on the bright side of life even when things were down. I can’t think of a time when he spoke negatively about the world. If that’s the way the conversation went, he would come up with a joke that would change the subject and get everyone to laugh.
Now that he is gone, there is a big hole to fill. Although it seems like an impossible task, that is what is left to do.
My sincerest condolences for Judy and the rest of the family. I have known Bruce for around 25 years – and we became friends on the first day we met. Bruce was like that- he had a “social magnetism” about him- he truly listened when others spoke – and when he spoke people listened. We shared a love for history and a passion for collecting military artifacts. – I can still hear his booming voice yelling out to me in a crowed flea market somewhere “JERRY!!” and asking “so what do you think about this?…” or saying “I have got to show you this!” – His love for life was only second to his love for God, I used to call him “Father-Brother Bruce” as he really walked the walk. I liked that his obituary had said that he “was friends with God” as that was very true. Thinking about it more, I think Bruce may have been an angel that walked among us. Anyone who met him knows what I mean. I will miss you my friend, but i will see you again.
Bruce had the gifts hospitality and encouragement. As a young girl, I remember going to Bruce and Judy’s home for fellowship with my mom, and other families. Bruce gave each child a small gift. He always wanted you to feel welcome. As an adult, visiting with Bruce and Judy at a gathering, he again handed out gifts of bookmarks. His welcoming heart had not changed. I also appreciated his thoughtfulness. After my mother passed away, Bruce made sure to express his condolences when he saw me in person even though it was quite sometime after she had passed. I appreciated that he would think of my mom and express his concern for me. I will continue to pray for you, Judy, and all those who loved Bruce.
Wir waren alle schockiert als wir die Nachricht vom Tod von Bruce erhalten haben.
Ich habe Bruce ca. 1970 kennen gelernt, als die Familie nach Donauescingen kam um die Oma zu pflegen. Er lebte ca.5 Jahre hier.
Als die Oma starb, kehrte die Familie wieder zurück in die USA. Leider haben wir uns dann 20 Jahre aus den Augen verloren.
Als der Kontakt wieder zustande kam haben wir viel telefoniert und uns alte und neue Geschichten erzählt. Dann kam Bruce endlich wieder in seine alte Heimat zurück. Wir besuchten die alten Freunde und haben auch viele Flohmärkte besucht. Auch seine Frau Judy lernten wir kennen.
Bei der Abreise flossen Tränen !
Bruce war nie böse und hatte immer ein Lächeln im Gesicht. Er war immer der Mittelpunkt in der Gesellschaft und zeigte spontan auch mal seine Zauberkünste. Alle waren von Bruce begeistert.
Ich habe viele Erinnerungen an ihn. Er wird uns fehlen.
Die Welt hat eine Persönlichkeit verloren.
Walter und Elke
I learned many wonderful things about Bruce’s life, at his memorial service.
Such a wonderful, giving, & talented, person; & much more!
A huge amount of living he accomplished in his short time here on Earth
May Jesus continue to comfort you, Judy, and all the family and friends
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We were all shocked when we heard the news of Bruce’s death.
I, Walter, got to know Bruce around 1970 when his family moved to Donaueschingen to look after his grandma. They lived here for around 5 years in which we shared a great friendship. One of the many moments I remember with Bruce is the following: when we were about 13 years old and playing soccer together on the street, Bruce proudly showed us his new Timex watch. He claimed it was unbreakable, so we put it on the road and rode our bikes over it. The watch actually stayed intact, but then Bruce threw it up in the air. When it hit the ground, the watch was broken, but Bruce was neither sad nor angry. On the contrary, he gained a new insight and we all had a good laugh about it.
When his grandma passed away, Bruce’s family returned to the US. Unfortunately, we lost sight of each other for over 20 years. When we got back in touch after such a long time, we talked a lot on the phone and caught up on old and new stories. Then Bruce finally came back to Germany to visit his old home town and we could finally meet again in person. We went to lots of flea markets and visited old friends together. We also had the pleasure to get to know his lovely wife Judy. Tears flowed when the both left!
Bruce was a very kind and cheerful man who always had a smile on his face. He was the center of attention in every social group and amazed everybody by spontaneously showing off his magic skills . Everyone just had to love Bruce!
We have many loving memories of him and will miss him a lot. The world has lost a great personality.
You are truly missed. You were one of the first people I met when I got to NATO. You asked if I have ever modeled or thought about it. You were so caring and loving even though you had no idea who I was. I remember you finding out about Virgil Abloh and you came to the Post Office to see if I knew of his work. I told you yes and that I have a few of the shoes he created. To see your face light up when I said that. The day I had wore a pair and showed you made my day. You were so happy to be able to see them and to hold them. You truly were a blessing. You brought laughter, love, and genuine care to work. I really do miss you man. Going to work is not the same anymore. I pray you help the Big Man upstairs watch over us down here.