Bruce Harken
Bruce Robert Harken, age 77, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025, after a long hospitalization at Edward Hines VA Hospital. Bruce is survived by his wife of 54 years, Diane, son Eric, daughters Kate (Eric Tengler), and Meg (Alex Bubis), grandsons Henry and Michael Bruce, brother Jerry (Rowena), sister Barbara Monsour (Roger), brother-in-law Donald Berkshire (Judith), and several nieces and nephews.
After proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps from 1966 – 1970, including a 13-month tour in Vietnam, Bruce returned to marry Diane and complete his college education to become a teacher. He taught middle school for 33 years in Oak Park District 97. His devotion to his students was evident in his sentiment that he always looked forward to teaching every single day of his career.
Bruce felt his and his wife’s greatest accomplishment was in raising three amazing children who share the Harken family’s dedication to serving others.
In addition to his teaching and coaching career, Bruce was a founding member of the Western Springs VFW Post 10775, a Veterans Service Officer for disabled American Veterans, and volunteer at St. John of the Cross Parish.
Bruce also served as the pool manager of the Western Springs Service Club for 18 years, where he continued to mentor teenagers and young adults.
In Bruce’s words, his most important roles were as a husband, a father, a teacher, coach, friend, and a resource to fellow veterans.
Bruce truly enjoyed a life well lived.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bruce’s memory to:
Honor Flight Chicago (https://www.honorflightchicago.org/)
Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (https://www.pbmr.org/)
Visitation 1 to 5pm on Sunday, January 19th at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th Street, Countryside. An 11am Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, January 20th at St. John of the Cross Parish, 5005 Wolf Rd., Western Springs. Interment will take place privately at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood.
Funeral information: 708-352-6500
Our hearts are broken. Bruce was such a vital part of our Western Springs and St. John of the Cross communities. To say he will be missed is an understatement. God rest his soul.
I knew Bruce from Casey’s. Everyone who knew him loved him. He was such a joy. He’ll be sorely missed. My best to your family.
Mr. Harkin was my most favorite teacher ever! He was fun, patient, and kind. He was my teacher back in the very early 80s and I ran into him 20 or so yrs later, and he remembered my sister and me. He was a special.person. Sorry for your loss!
Michelle
Such a wonderful man who loved his wife & family. As Veteran Liason to the Field of Honor he displayed his love of country & commitment to serving Veterans & many others. Vibrant personality & kind heart. A very dear friend already missed. Now in the healing arms of God.
Love to the whole family.
Eugenia & Gordy Callison
I’m so saddened to hear this news. Our family knew Bruce from the pool. All of my kids worked there in some capacity and he always had a smile on his face and a moment to say hi. He made the pool a wonderful place for my family for many years. Hugs to his family!
Deepest sympathies to Bruce’s family. He was a great coworker in D97 and will be sorely missed.
Thoughts and prayers are with the Harken Family. Bruce was a remarkable man – a terrific teacher and coach – and a vital member of the Western Springs community.
I worked with together with Bruce during his early years and always thought of him as a wonderful person.
My sympathy to his family. May your memory of him always be a blessing to you.
“Mr” Harken was always a welcome sight at the pool. Bruce made every kid at that pool feel like their favorite uncle was there, and every mother feel like their children were in good hands. Everyone loved seeing him in the Memorial Day Parade leading the Veterans. Our condolences to the whole Harken Family. What a good man.
Diane, we were so sorry to hear about Bruce! We had some wonderful family times with all of you in Western Springs! Those were special years for us! You’ll be in our thoughts and prayers! Jean and Frank 💕