Bruce William Luedeman

Bruce William Luedeman, 77, of Independence, MO, passed away peacefully on Aug. 03, 2025. He quickly flew into His Savior’s arms after experiencing decline. The first child to Twila Lou (Frazier) and William (Bill) Luedeman, of Eustis NE, was born just two hours past Christmas on Dec. 26, 1947, in nearby Lexington, NE. His father, a pilot, flew Great-Great-Grandma Easterday from Eustis to Lexington to see her first great great grandchild. She flew over fields she had traveled over by covered wagon to build and live in a sod house. Aviation would become a flying force of Bruce’s life.

Bruce became an older brother shortly after turning one, when his sister, Crystal, was born. A second sister, Tammy was born when Bruce was 10. By that time he was out of the house more as he became more active in his community. Bruce chased after life. He was born a take charge person, protector, an overcomer, entrepreneur, and teacher. He kept busy from the moment opportunity or need presented by washing windows at age 11, tossing hay bales, working at a scuba dive shop, and then opening his first business as a scuba instructor at age 17. He loved the underwater world. He also overcame stuttering by participating in school theater and joining a public speaking group called Toastmasters.

Bruce followed his Uncle Vance Frazier into law enforcement, gained his bachelor’s and master’s degree, and became a police officer serving Denton, CO for 12 years. Eventually, he taught criminal justice courses at University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Bruce never fired his gun at a suspect. His weapon of choice was his calm words and touch to deescalate a situation. He was truly a “peacemaker.”

In 1988, Bruce formed “The Matthew Group, Inc.” He taught business personality profiles and team building exercises. He published an aircraft ownership manual, “Keeping the Peace in Partnerships” which he sold at EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) air shows. Bruce formed Greeley’s first EAA Chapter. He was chaplain for Greeley CO. After moving to MO, he served as chaplain for the Lee’s Summit Civil Air Patrol and flew for the EAA’s Young Eagles first flight program for youth.

Tired of living alone and wanting a mate, Bruce sent up one of his “arrow prayers” to God. Family and church connections brought Bruce and Muriel together in 1991. They first met at the Denver airport after exchanging a month of phone calls and letters. Muriel was on trip passing through Denver. Their conversation lasted from the landing to departure gates. However, both of them knew this was the one.

Bruce gave up the mountains and skies of Colorado for the rolling hills of Independence, MO. The pair wed October 10, 1992. One wedding guest said their loud, vow sealing kiss could be heard three blocks away. Everyone laughed and burst out clapping, something unheard of in their church. At age 45, Muriel called themselves “late bloomers.”

Having a family naturally had its challenges and concerns, so Bruce and Muriel followed the path to adopt from China. Their first treasure was Jenna Joy in March of 1997. Then, in May of 2001, they returned a second time to bring home William “Winn.” These children would be the pride and joy of their lives. Bruce proudly worked and earned a living for the family, first as a real estate agent, then Graceland University’s long distance learning program. In 2005, Bruce entered self-employment full-time. He began doing what he loved most – teaching. He taught CPR and First Aid. Then, expanded to teaching CCW firearms courses and transitioned to teaching firearm instructor level courses. Bruce loved well and lived well. He enjoyed making others laugh and had a great wit about him. He enjoyed reading books in funny voices and inserting additional details at times just for laughs. He was a peaceful man and loved helping others. His hobbies included beekeeping, watching movies, hunting and spending time with family. He also served on his church’s security team as lead security officer.

Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Bill, and numerous aunts and uncles. Bruce leaves behind his wife Muriel, and daughter, Jenna of Independence, MO. His son, Winn, of Jefferson City, MO. He leaves behind Noodles the Goldendoodle of Independence, MO. His mother, Twila Bartruff, and sisters, Crystal Bechtel and Tammy (Jeff) Van Biber of Lee’s Summit. His nephews Scott Van Biber of Lee’s Summit, Drew Van Biber of Grain Valley, MO, Mark (Sherry) Bechtel of Orlando, Florida. His nieces Lana Bechtel of Orlando, FL, and Lisa Joy (Robert) Vanders of Oklahoma City, OK. He also leaves behind two great nieces, Sydney Bechtel of Norman, OK and Keala Bechtel of Orlando, FL.

In addition to family, Bruce leaves behind many others including those within his church family, his EAA group and hangar buddies, his firearms associations as well as all the students he influenced over the course of his business life.

A memorial service is planned for August 16 th at 2pm at Living Hope Restoration Church, 2425 S. Crysler Avenue, Independence, MO 64052. The service will be livestreamed and can be found on the church’s YouTube page 10 minutes before the service begins. Please go to this website to access the church’s YouTube page:https://www.youtube.com/@livinghoperestorationbranc7343.