Bruce Brower Rocole passed away on October 25, 2026, surrounded by his family, at the age of 72.
Bruce was born to Warren Rocole and Doris (Brower) Rocole on June 19, 1954, in Geneva,NE. He was the fourth son and was affectionately known as “#4” by his father and friends.
Bruce attended Geneva Public Schools and graduated in 1972. Growing up, he enjoyed
working with local farmers. In 1974, he began working for Minnegasco (now Black Hills
Energy) in York before eventually transferring to Seward. In 1990, Bruce joined his father-in-
law, Bill Leif, in Exeter, where they raised hogs and planted corn and soybeans. Bruce
retired from farming in 2021.
In 1976, Bruce married Patricia Leif in Exeter, NE, and in February 2026, they celebrated
their 50th wedding anniversary. Bruce and Pat became proud parents to three sons: Bruce
Brower Jr., Andrew William, and Matthew Thomas. Bruce also loved to spoil his two
grandchildren, Kayli and Landon. He loved to treat them to M&M’s and other goodies when
they came to visit.
Every spring, Bruce looked forward to his camping and fishing trips at Johnson Lake, where
he made many great memories fishing with his boys, brothers, and their families over the
years. In the fall, he looked forward to deer hunting with his boys. The annual “Deer Camp”
with his sons, brothers, and nephews included early mornings in the deer stand, late nights
sitting around the fire and playing cards throughout the weekend. When he wasn’t enjoying
the outdoors, Bruce also enjoyed visiting various casinos, always hoping to “hit the big
one.”
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Doris Rocole; son, Bruce Jr.;
brothers, Dennis Rocole and Larry Rocole; and parents-in-law, William (Bill) and Ella (Jo)
Leif. He is survived by his wife, Pat Rocole; sons, Andrew and Matthew (Kelley) Rocole;
brother, Galen (Kathy) Rocole; brother-in-law, John (Karen) Leif; sisters-in-law, Twila Rocole
and Jacque Rocole; grandchildren, Kayli and Landon Rocole; and numerous nieces,
nephews, and friends.
