Funeral services for Bruce “Chico” Bisbee will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Akaska Community Center. Burial will be in the Akaska Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will be held at the Akaska Community Center Friday, October 17, 2025, beginning at 6:00 pm with a prayer service to begin at 7:00 PM. Bruce passed away, Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the Bowdle Nursing Home after a brief battle of lung cancer.

Bruce was born November 27, 1952, to Dale and Marge (Everson) Bisbee. He attended school in Cresbard, SD, graduating in 1971. He worked as a farm hand until graduation then moved to Chicago to work in a glass factory. He returned to Cresbard in 1977 and bought his dad’s gas station which he operated for 3 years. On June 17, 1983, Bruce married the love of his life, Bernie. They spent their honeymoon on a fishing trip and for the rest of their lives, they spent countless hours hunting and fishing together.

Bruce spent many years welding for Crawford’s then Twin City Fan before taking his last job with Aspire, retiring in 2016. Upon moving to Akaska in 2017, Bruce took on many odd jobs including lawn mowing, feeding sheep, handyman services, building projects and much more. If someone needed a hand, he was there to provide it.

Bruce always had a positive outlook. He was a bit of a jokester and had a way of making people smile. Over the years, many have tried to pull one over on him, but there were very rare occasions where someone else got the upper hand. However, when he retired, his coworkers at Aspire finally got him, filling his truck with balloons, covering it with post-its and wrapping it all in plastic wrap!

Bruce was well known for his love of fishing, hunting and trapping. He was a true outdoorsman. While Bruce and Bernie did not have any children of their own, he was honored to help pass the Bisbee hunting and fishing legacy on to his many nieces, nephews, and honorary grandchildren. Over the years, Memorial fishing weekend became a cherished time where Chico and Bernie opened their home and welcomed anyone who wanted to come out and join in the festivities and enjoy a delicious fish fry.

Bruce is survived by his beloved wife, Bernie; His many nieces, nephews and honorary grandchildren (between the two of them, they have over 90 nieces and nephews); his siblings: David (Cindy) Bisbee, Pierre, SD; SD; Colleen (John) Klein, Cresbard, SD; Diana Bisbee, Bristol, SD; Dixie Bisbee, Campobello, SC; Sisters-in-law Dianne (the late Russell) Bisbee, Cresbard, and Barb (the late Barry) Bisbee, Rapid City, SD;

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Daniel, Russell, and Barry; parents, Marge and Dale Bisbee; and all his grandparents.

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