Bruce Shaver Obituary

Bruce Shaver of Hemingford passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital at the age of 84. Wayne Bruce Shaver, known to most as Bruce, was born on December 6, 1940, to Wayne and Opha Shaver. He graduated from Hemingford High School in 1959 and went on to earn his degree from Nebraska State College at Chadron in 1963. Following college, Bruce served in the Nebraska National Guard from 1963 to 1969. In 1966, Bruce married Priscilla Burri, and together they had three daughters: Penny, Sonja, and Kim. Although life eventually took them in different directions, Bruce and Priscilla remained close friends and shared a lifelong bond rooted in love for their family. In 1992, Bruce met Teresa Nelson, and the two shared many lively years of caring companionship and friendship. Bruce was a longtime local business owner, operating S&S LP Gas with his father, Wayne. Through many years of propane and bulk fuel deliveries, Bruce forged many long-lasting friendships. He retired and sold the business in 2017, but remained a loyal supporter of small businesses throughout the Panhandle. Family and community were at the heart of Bruce's life. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge, the Lion's Club, and the American Legion. He had a genuine enthusiasm for collecting antiques, enjoyed art, and especially loved attending his grandchildren's events and supporting them in their interests. Bruce made friends wherever he went and was known for his unique sense of humor, gentle spirit, and generosity with his time. His clever nicknames became a signature of his humor and warmth. He also had a knack for finding the most unusual, thoughtful, and one-of-a-kind gifts-something his friends and family always looked forward to receiving. Bruce had a lifelong affection for dogs and shared a deep bond with each one he cared for over the years. His most recent companion, Daisy, rarely left his side and brought him constant comfort. Bruce will be laid to rest with Daisy, who remained with him until the end. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Opha Shaver, and his granddaughter, Brittany Shaver. He is survived by his three daughters: Penny (John) Wickham and their son Dylan Wickham; Sonja (Clint) Bruhn and their children Curtiss, Austin, and Morgan; and Kim Warner (Marc Veldhuizen) and daughters Brookelynn and Ariel Warner. He is also survived by his longtime companion Teresa Nelson; her son Chris (Emily) Nelson and their son Cooper Nelson; and by his brother Douglas (Susan) Shaver and their children: Jeff (Mark Tylutki), Scott (Kelsey) Shaver and their children Beckett, Milo, and Wrenley, and Leslie Shaver. Bruce will be remembered for his kindness, his strong ties to the community, and the deep love he had for his family and friends. Memorials may be given to the James Barry American Legion Post 9, The United Methodist Church in Hemingford or the Hemingford Volunteer Firefighters Association. Memorials can be mailed to P.O. Box 102 Hemingford, NE 69348. A memorial fund has been set up for Bruce at Security First Bank. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2026 at the United Methodist Church in Hemingford with Pastor Suyeol Bae officiating. Burial will be in the Hemingford Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be Friday, July 25 from 1-7 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home in Hemingford.