Bruce “Bruiser” Perkins Jr. died Sunday, September 6, 2026, at home, surrounded by the love of his family.

For two and a half years, Bruce fought cancer with incredible courage. He was brave, strong, and determined, persevering through some of the toughest moments imaginable. From the beginning, he was determined to live, not simply to fight a Stage IV diagnosis, but to keep living the life he loved with the people he loved. And that is exactly what he did.

Bruce lived life fully. At the center of that life was always his family.

Bruce and his wife, Cassie, began their journey together in high school. They grew up together, built a life together, raised their children together, and spent more than three decades side by side. Along the way, they worked hard, chased dreams, accomplished goals, traveled, laughed, made countless memories, and created a beautiful life they were incredibly proud of.

Nothing made Bruce prouder than being a dad to Ava and Andy. He loved them with everything he had. He was proud of their accomplishments, but even more, he was incredibly proud of the people they were becoming. He loved watching them grow into kind, strong, thoughtful young adults and begin building lives and dreams of their own. He believed in them, supported them, challenged them, teased them, and made sure they always knew he was in their corner. Of everything Bruce accomplished in his life, the family he and Cassie created and the two remarkable humans they raised made him proudest.

Bruce didn’t just love his family, he showed up for them. He was present for the everyday moments that become the important ones: helping the kids study, cheering from the bleachers, listening to concerts, coaching from the bench, talking through decisions, celebrating accomplishments, and simply being there. Youth sports were a big part of his life. Over the years, he coached many wonderful kids, volunteered, served on boards, and gave countless hours to supporting his kids and his community.

His love extended far beyond his own home. Bruce loved his nieces and nephews, his extended family, and the friends who became family along the way. And Bruce knew how to enjoy life. Some of his favorite moments were nights out with the gang, filled with endless laughter, stories, and more than a few adventures.

He found peace in his happy places. He loved being in the woods at the barn, watching and appreciating nature and spending time with his hunting family. He also loved the warmth of the sun and strolling the beach in Florida. Those were the places where Bruce could simply be Bruiser.

Throughout his career, Bruce worked at many wonderful places alongside people he respected and enjoyed. He worked hard, built lasting relationships, and ultimately achieved a professional dream when he joined Harker.

Bruce had a gift for making people feel seen and remembered. He paid attention to the little things, remembered what mattered to you, and asked about them the next time he saw you. He listened. He cared. He made people feel like they mattered.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Cassie Perkins; his daughter, Ava Perkins; his son, Andrew Perkins; his parents, Diane and Mike Homman; his sisters, Patty Heinzmann (Tyler) and Pam Wallisch (Kory); his mother-in-law, Sharleen Kinder; his brother-in-law, JP Kinder (Meg); his grandma, Audrey Darga; his many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins; the nieces and nephews he loved dearly, Will Hennen and Elizabeth Stokes, whom he loved and teased like his own kids; and his wonderful friends who became family.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Ron Darga; his grandmother, Elsie Perkins; his grandfather, Ray Perkins; and his father-in-law, Jake Kinder.

Bruce’s life cannot be measured by the cancer he fought or by the years he was given. It is measured by the life he lived, the people he loved, the laughter he created, the memories he made, and the countless ways he showed up for the people who mattered to him.

He lived fully. He loved deeply. And he was deeply loved. If you were lucky enough to be part of Bruce’s life, you know just how special he was. And if he teased you, you definitely knew he loved you.

Bruce’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at SSM Health, especially the caregivers on the fifth floor at the Fish Hatchery Clinic. The palliative care team, doctors, nurses, and staff worked tirelessly to care for Bruce and support our family throughout his journey. We will forever be grateful for the compassion and care they gave him and all of us.

A Celebration of Life will be held at HALVERSON’S EVERYTHING NICE, 1965 Barber Drive, Stoughton, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026. Come share your stories, your memories, and your laughs with us. And, of course, wear your Packers gear. The game will be on. Bruiser wouldn’t have it any other way. A cash bar and light snacks will be available.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Stoughton

Funeral & Cremation Care

1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St.

(608) 873-4590

Bruce "Bruiser" Perkins Jr.

May 27, 1978 - September 06, 2026

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