William Bruce Angerstein peacefully passed away from his earthly life on Thursday, August 11, 2016 suddenly but surrounded by loved ones. Bruce is now in Heaven with his Savior, Jesus Christ, where he is likely fishing for his biggest catch yet.

Bruce was born December 14, 1954 in Burnett, TX but lived most of his life in Brownwood, TX. Throughout his life, his love of fishing, hunting and the outdoors was well-known by all who knew him.

As a young man, he met and married Romona (Matthews) Brogan and from that marriage he had two daughters, Kimberly (Angerstein) McQueen and Kinsey Angerstein. The marriage ended after 25 years yet they maintained a mutual respect and caring for one another that was evident anytime they were in each other’s presence.

In 2002 Bruce married Barbara Bessent who has a son, Dale Laughlin. In addition to Bruce’s love, Barbara quickly gained the love of his daughters. Bruce and Barbara remained lovingly married and committed to each other until his death.

In addition to his fishing trips, Bruce’s kids and grandkids were his pride and joy. He simply could not get enough hugs and kisses from them and made sure to always profusely exclaim his love when in their presence. Bruce was blessed with several grandkids. From Kimberly’s marriage to Brad, he was blessed with a granddaughter, Brinley, and a grandson, Riley. From Bruce’s marriage to Barbara, he was blessed to inherit two granddaughters, Kyndall and Kenzie, and two grandsons, Bryson and (soon to be born) Cash. He treasured every minute he was able to share with his grandkids.

Bruce worked in the concrete industry throughout his life. He owned and operated Angerstein Concrete Contractors, Inc. in partnership with his brother, Frank, and nephew, Jason. He was proud of his work and thoroughly enjoyed a career that many people consider to be “back breaking”. As such, he was a strong man – physically and in spirit – and could seldom be found indoors.

Bruce enjoyed a life full of friends and never met a stranger. His relationship with his family and close friends was iron clad, unbreakable. He valued these relationships and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Barbara (Bessent) Angerstein; daughters, Kimberly (Angerstein) McQueen and husband, Brad, and Kinsey Angerstein; son, Dale Laughlin and wife, Natalie; brother, Delbert and wife, Debbie; sisters, Faye Hudson and husband, Doug, Judy Sykora and husband, Louis, JoAnn Sikes and husband, Greg, and Donna Ratliff and husband, Jack; grandkids, Kyndall, Kenzie, Bryson, Brinley, Riley and Cash; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Barton Angerstein; mother, Edith Angerstein; and brothers, Garland Green and Frank Angerstein.

Bruce’s family will receive visitors from 6-8pm on Sunday, August 14, 2016 followed by a celebration of life service on Monday, August 15, 2016 at 10am, both at Heartland Funeral Home in Early.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Heartland Funeral Home in Early.

Condolences can be offered to the family online at heartlandfuneralhome.net.