Bruce A. Thayer

Bruce A. Thayer, 84, of Palmyra, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Rainbow Hospice Center in Johnson Creek surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

Bruce was born on November 21, 1941 in Whitewater, the son of Woodrow and Marion (Schultz) Thayer. He grew up in the Palmyra area and graduated from Palmyra High School with the class of 1959. Bruce farmed at the beginning of his working career and would eventually enjoy a long career with Waukesha Engine as an assembler. On June 24, 1967, Bruce was united in marriage to Martha “Marty” R. Lean at the Palmyra United Methodist Church. God blessed Bruce and Marty with two children, Paula and Timothy. The couple would go on to enjoy 50 years of marriage together until Marty’s passing in 2018. Bruce had many interests during his life. He enjoyed playing Baseball in his younger years and later on, Softball. He loved to hunt and fish, and took his grandchildren out with him to make memories. Bruce enjoyed driving around the local hunting spots and finding where the deer, turkeys and other wildlife were active, he would then report back to his hunting family and friends with what he found. Bruce also had a lifelong love of farming and would help the local Dempsey Farm during harvest time. Above all else in Bruce’s life was his love for his family. He was a proud husband, father and grandfather and he would do anything for those he loved. He will be missed, but forever remembered by those he leaves behind.

Bruce is survived by: his loving children, Paula (Trevor) Knaack of Fort Atkinson, and Timothy “Tator” (Brandy) Thayer of Palmyra; his four dear grandchildren, Allison and Bristol Knaack and Amber “Sprout” and Joseph Thayer; and his siblings-in-law, Mary Price of Elkhorn, Bill (Peggy) Lean of Palmyra, Sidney Traxler of Whitewater, and Nancy Thayer of Mukwonago.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 50 years, Martha Thayer, his brother, Carl Thayer, sister Marie Traxler, and his in laws Bill Sr, and Bonnie Lean.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Jackie and Keith Gajewski for the special care they gave Bruce.

Bruce will be laid to rest with his dear wife, Marty in Hillside Cemetery during a private family service.  A Celebration of his life will be planned at a later date.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle, Wisconsin is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com

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