Bruce Ekern Alexander
December 22, 1942 - December 11, 2016
Obituary
MADISON-Bruce "Alex" Alexander, age 73, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in the presence of his beloved family. Alex was born Dec. 22, 1942, in Madison to parents Winfield and Irene Alexander. He attended elementary school in Shorewood Hills and graduated from West High School. Alex then attended UW-Madison where he studied mathematics and computer science. After leaving college, he proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard. When he returned to Madison, he pursued a successful real estate career for a number of years. Alex's deep interest in "anything with a motor" led to his involvement in various aspects of motorsports. He worked with friends building and racing fuel dragsters. Alex was also very proud to have been part of an Indy car crew. As he recounted stories of the racing circuit, his eyes would light up with pleasure at the memories. He loved Wisconsin team sports and was an avid Badger Hockey fan for many, many years. Alex was also a very enthusiastic Packers fan and would loudly voice his opinion when he felt a bad call was made. He truly loved music, particularly jazz and blues. Alex introduced his wife, Nanci (married in 2001) to live music, and as a result they often attended music festivals as part of their travels. Having grown up with his father's Seeing Eye guide dogs, he continued to have great love and appreciation for and devotion to his own dogs. Alex's dog, Boomer, went nearly everywhere with him and became well-known to his acquaintances. Alex is survived by his wife Nanci and her children Shannon (Anthony) DeMarte and Scott Olsen; much-loved grandsons Thomas and Alexander DeMarte; and nephews Colin and Ian Spence. He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved first wife Lynn; and his sister Helen. Following Alex's wishes, his family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date. If desired, you may make a memorial gift to an organization of your choice in his memory. Please share your personal memories and online condolences at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
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Memories
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Becki Ralyn
Other •
Alex had an extraordinary love for music. I remember when he'd give Shannon components for the perfect stereo. Each piece making it more fantastic...receiver, dual cassette player, equalizer, 6-DISC player, and top notch speakers! I spent hours of my youth sitting in front of that stereo built from love. We didn't live in front of screens back then. We lived our lives through music, and Alex gave me a greater appreciation for what good music was suppose to sound like. He had a great soul. I will put on my beats, and sing a little louder for him.
SD
Shannon DeMarte
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Shared a photo.
+ 5
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Lynn Malayter
Other •
Whenever Alex would stop by my office, we would have the most incredible conversations about sales, real estate, Nancy, the kids, and dogs....dogs...dogs...! And horrible, groaner jokes. I'm sure that heaven is groaning now with all the Oly and Sven jokes he's sharing.
My favorite memory of him is the gift he left on my desk when I first started my insurance agency with State Farm: it was a brightly wrapped shoe box that contained a can of Coca Cola and an individual size bottle of rum....he figured that there would be a day that it would come in handy at 5pm when the office closed. He was so right!!! LOL.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. Alex was a very special person to everyone who knew him.
Lynn Malayter
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Elizabeth Endres Swiggum
Other •
Rest in peace my friend Alex # 2. We had many good times and lunches over the years. Nancy, my condolence. Liz (Betty) Endres Swiggum
BK
Bonnie Kleczka
Other •
Alex was a loving "oompa" to Thomas and Alexander and they provided him with much joy. He was also a kind soul and embraced the love of Nanci, Shannon , her husband Tony, and Scott .Alex also enjoyed the social times with his extended family. On a lighter note, all of us who knew him, would have to agree, that he "could talk the leg off of a three-legged stool."
Rest in Peace, Alex.
Jerry and Bonnie Kleczka
SB
Shirley Bradley
Other •
My memories of Alex make me smile ... I was never really a fan of he and Nanci's music played at the Harmony until they took Betty and I to listen live once. I could then see and feel the attraction .... glad I had the experience for certain.
He also made me smile when he picked up my granddaughter "little bit" and almost hit the ceiling with her. He laughed and said she is a light weight ! His grandsons loved him dearly and he " wrestled and played with them
and he was in his glory". He was a loving Ompa to Thomas and Alexander and taught them many things.
Alex and my sister made a lot of special memories and I am thankful for all their years of happiness.