Rapid River, MI
Sherman “Bruce” Hardwick, Sr., AKA Muk-Ta-The, Vern, Boo-Boo, age 78, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
Bruce was born February 26, 1947 to Shirley Hardwick of Gladstone. He attended and graduated from Gladstone Area Schools. He was united in marriage to Patricia Murphy on September 29, 1973 in Gladstone. The couple spent over 50 years together.
Bruce was a Boilermaker for many years and owned and operated Hillcrest Motel in Rapid River for 34 years alongside his wife, Pat. Bruce was a proud member of the Sault Saint Marie Tribe of the Chippewa Indians. He was well versed in the Native American culture and was proud to educate anyone who would lend an ear.
In addition to his loving wife, Patricia, Bruce is survived by:
Sons: Sherman Jr., (Jennifer) of Colusa, CA
Thomas (Missy) Hardwick of Rapid River, MI
Daughters: Betty Jo (Chris) Proehl of Rapid River, MI
Susan (Donald) Andronico of Filer, ID
Brothers: Larry (Mary) Godfrey, Danny Godfrey, Willy Bizeau and Jerry (Anne) Sebeck
Sisters: Margaret Anderson, Mary Bovin, Mary (Dave) Schram
Grandchildren: Morgan Andronico, Madison (Derrick) Rose, Kassia Andronico, Grayson Hardwick, Christopher Hardwick, Mason Hardwick, Brennen Hardwick, Erica (Robert Bichler) Proehl, Nick Proehl and Meghan Proehl
Great Grandchildren: Briar Rose, Lochlan Rose and Amelia Bichler.
Bruce is preceded in death by:
Mother: Shirley Bizeau
Step Dad: Glen Bizeau
Inlaws: Betty and Jim Murphy
And Sister, Elizabeth
Family will receive friends on Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 1:00 until 4:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. A full obituary will be forthcoming.
Judy Marohnic Vanlerberghe - Gladstone, Mi
I am so sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. We graduated together and he was a good friend. He stood up in my wedding. He will be missed.
Don Chartier - Newberry, MI
I am so sad to hear of Big Bruce’s passing. He was one heck of a man that helped so many people in more than a few countries. He was well loved by so many; he and Pat were a perfect couple with a passion to help others. He will be missed by many people. I am thankful for what he accomplished by teaching many about our culture and about life. He changed my life with his positive teachings. I will never forget him. R.I.P. big Vern.❤️❤️
Russ Sargent - Washburn, WI
Bruce was a good friend to me, inspired me in football at GHS…he was such a great player! Wish I could have spent more time with him in later years.
My condolences to Patty and the rest of his family. Patty, you chose so well for your life’s partner! God bless you all and Rest In Peace, old friend.
Sarge
Alllan Bizeau - Gladstone, MI
I was sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. It has been a few years since I last spoke with Bruce. He will be missed by many who knew him,
Jeff Boden - Gladstone, mi
More than sixty years I called Boot in eye my friend. We had a game that we played. Whichever of us spotted the other first, would holler “Hey! East end scum! You did pretty good for yourself, didn’t you?” He threatened to kill me for being part of that group that kidnapped his new bride on that wedding day in ’73. My personal list of guys I can call friend is getting very short.
Deepest condolences to you Patti and your family. We will all miss him!
Kenneth Olson - Gladstone , Mi
Sorry to hear of Bruce ‘s passing. Knew him well in school. When I found out he owened the Hillcrest Motel. Stayed there for a week some years ago. He sure gave me a nice deal. He will be missed.
Jeff Boden - Gladstone, mi
For more than sixty years Boot in eye has been my friend. We always joked about being from the wrong end of town. When I would call him Sherman, very few people knew who I was talking about. He had a boatload of nicknames.
Deepest condolences to Patti and family. He will be missed.
Ben Merens - Milwaukee, WI
“You’re right on time – no matter when you arrive” & “You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be” —- two lessons Bruce taught me (and so many others) — R.I.P. dear friend ❤️❤️ Ben M.
Dwayne Ingebrigtsen - Gladstone, MI
Rest in peace my friend
Gary Lehman - Escanaba, MI
My condolences to Bruce’s entire family. Even though I’m from Escanaba, and our rivalry was and still is alive, Bruce and I always got along. I remember seeing him at last years Gladstone vs Esky’s football game and shaking hands. I’ll miss those times, until we meet again! Rest in Peace my friend!