Obituary
Bruce Earl Niekamp, age 79 passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 28, 2024 in Venice Florida.
Bruce is survived by his loving wife Antoinette Niekamp of Venice, Florida, his Brothers Carl Niekamp and his wife Vera Niekamp of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Harold Niekamp Jr. and his wife Debra Niekamp of Hickory, North Carolina.
Bruce was a loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews.
Bruce was preceded in his death by his daughter Ilona Niekamp, and his parents Greta P Niekamp and Harold H Niekamp Sr.
Bruce served in the United States Coast Guard, upon his release from Active Duty he went on to serve in the Reserves. While on Active Duty he served in Groton, Connecticut, Norfolk, Virginia as well as Spain. After he left the Military, he went on to earn numerous College degrees which helped him secure future employment in a wide variety of industries.
He worked for General Electric Corporation, as well as Sarasota County for many years.
Bruce loved spending time with his wife. They enjoyed working together around the house and genuinely just as long as they were together he was happy.
In his younger days he was an avid fisherman, swimmer and he would love to hop in his JEEP with his wife and take long drives. He also loved spending time with his friends whether it was at the beach, fishing or camping or just sitting around telling stories in the garage. He was also one to always lend a helping hand to anyone who might need one.
He will always be remembered as a cheerful and loving Husband, the best uncle you could’ve imagined.
At a future date there will be a Celebration of life in his honor.
After graduation, life took us in different directions, and we lost touch. Yet Bruce remained a central figure in my wife’s (also a classmate) and my nostalgic memories. Over the decades, I made numerous attempts to reconnect with him, often through Classmate.com, but I was never successful.
Yesterday, my search came to a poignant end when, in my continuing search, I typed his name into my browser one more time and discovered his obituary.
Bruce's mischievous antics were the stuff of legend. Whether it was launching spitballs onto the blackboard in World History class every time Mr. Griffin turned his back, stealthily tuning into the World Series during class with a radio hidden in his lap (hidden by his desk, notebook, and an earpiece threaded through his shirt sleeve), or his relentless teasing of my girlfriend (now wife), Bruce provided us with a lifetime’s worth of laughter.
His flirty teasing failed to win over my girlfriend, but he eventually said to me, 'Jack, you ought to marry Maureen,' which I happily did after graduating from college.
I also vividly recall Bruce once telling me about a girl he had met named Antoinette. With a sparkle in his eyes, he said, “She’s like no other girl I have met.” Though I never had the pleasure of meeting her, it warms my heart to know that his enchantment with her endured throughout his life.
Bruce may no longer walk this earth, but he will live on forever in my wife’s and my cherished memories.
After graduation, life took us in different directions, and we lost touch. Yet Bruce remained a central figure in my wife’s (also a classmate) and my nostalgic memories. Over the decades, I made numerous attempts to reconnect with him, often through Classmate.com, but I was never successful.
Yesterday, my search came to a poignant end when, in my continuing search, I typed his name into my browser one more time and discovered his obituary.
Bruce's mischievous antics were the stuff of legend. Whether it was launching spitballs onto the blackboard in World History class every time Mr. Griffin turned his back, stealthily tuning into the World Series during class with a radio hidden in his lap (hidden by his desk, notebook, and an earpiece threaded through his shirt sleeve), or his relentless teasing of my girlfriend (now wife), Bruce provided us with a lifetime’s worth of laughter.
His flirty teasing failed to win over my girlfriend, but he eventually said to me, 'Jack, you ought to marry Maureen,' which I happily did after graduating from college.
I also vividly recall Bruce once telling me about a girl he had met named Antoinette. With a sparkle in his eyes, he said, “She’s like no other girl I have met.” Though I never had the pleasure of meeting her, it warms my heart to know that his enchantment with her endured throughout his life.
Bruce may no longer be with us, but he will live on forever in my wife’s and my cherished memories.
He was always smiling and had time to talk with me ( my english was bad but he tried to understand) and give me positive words in very difficult moments of my life. He made me believe that I could achieve my dreams and thank you for that. May he rest in peace and my sincere condolences to his beautiful wife.
He was always smiling and had time to talk with me ( my english was bad but he tried to understand) and give me positive words in very difficult moments of my life. He made me believe that I could achieve my dreams and thank you for that. May he rest in peace and my sincere condolences to his beautiful wife.
Just enjoying the outdoors together ❤️❤️
One of our many Christmas days together
Sending him off for a ride with his favorite niece.
Having a great time with Brucie, always making him laugh!
I loved our talks in your garage Bruce. You were a wonderful neighbor and friend. I miss you so much already. I’ll keep an eye on Nettie for you.
I stopped over to visit with my good friend Brucie.
Brucie you will be in my Heart forever and ever, Love Always Nettie ♥️♥️♥️
Bruce and Nettie loving Ilona’s visits from key west. ♥️
Loved his two girls and cherished the time together with them.
♥️♥️♥️
I sent this to Uncle B to cheer him up and put a smile on his face !
I Love you my sweet Uncle! ♥️
Rose enjoying spending time with her Uncle B. ♥️
Bruce and Nettie visiting good friends in Tennessee. Enjoying the great outdoors.
Niekamp man on a family vacation ♥️
Bruce and his mother spending good family time together.♥️
Bruce and his Dad enjoying each other’s company in Florida.
His two Favorite girls!♥️
Happy to be out on the water on a beautiful day .
Happy with his catch of the day.
His record 7 lbs Bass Texas.
Table Tennis Champion!
His buddy’s in Spain hard at work
Spain
Tower in Virginia, just another day at work!!
United States Coast Guard !
Best Day of our Lives
High School Senior Year
Eagle Scouts