Bruce Burrill Schreffler

Bruce Burrill Schreffler, 82, passed away April 12, 2026, in the arms of his wife and children following an extended illness. Bruce married the love of his life, Susan Hall, on April 13,1968. He left behind a legacy of faith in his Savior Jesus Christ, service, and care of others and a love for music. Bruce was born June 17,1943, in Kankakee Illinois to Marion Lucille (Burrill) and John Schreffler. He grew into a significant role as the leader and owner of the Schreffler Funeral Homes. Learning at his father’s side at the tender age of 16, he completed his education and licensing as a Funeral Director and Embalmer by attending Olivet Nazarene University and Worsham School of Mortuary Science. Bruce grew up in a family of faith attending Asbury United Methodist Church, College Church of the Nazarene, and is a current member of Summerville Methodist Church, Summerville, South Carolina. Having a love for music, he grew into a beautiful tenor voice through participating in many church choirs, performances, and music education. Bruce credits Kenneth Bade, the former music director and choir master at Asbury United Methodist Church for his love for the organ. At the age of 16, Kenneth Bade asked him if he had interest in learning the pipe organ which led Bruce into assisting with the building of the current organ and a lifetime of love for the instrument. Bruce is survived by his wife, Susan and two children, Amy (Brian) Fenton and Sean (Virginia) Schreffler. He is also survived by one brother, Larry (Jeanette) Schreffler, two sisters, Mary Grimes and Barbara (Clyde) Mansburger. In addition, he has five grandchildren, Bess, JP, John, Ava Rose, and Max along with three great-grandchildren, Nolan, Amyiah, and Robert. He is preceded in death by one brother-in-law, James Grimes. Bruce leaves a legacy of love and commitment to his family and community. Bruce and his wife Susan worked tirelessly to build the Schreffler Funeral Homes and through their hard work they were recognized with the Pursuit of Excellence Award. Bruce and his family cared and supported the families of the greater Kankakee area for 3 generations. He retired from owning and operating the funeral homes after 66 years of devoted professionalism. Over the years, Bruce was a great supporter of many organizations throughout the community including Riverside Medical Center serving on the Foundation Board for 8 years, Hospice of Kankakee Valley assisting in the acquisition of the location on Main St. in Bourbonnais, member of Masonic Lodge #389, a 32nd Degree Mason, past member of the Bradley Elementary school board, past KVTC Board member, and the Kankakee Symphony Board. In addition, he was a member of the Kankakee Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club of Kankakee, National Funeral Directors Association, Illinois Funeral Directors Association, and past President of the Preferred Funeral Directors International. Because of his years of committed service to the Kankakee area and Riverside Medical Center, Bruce and his wife Susan received one of their greatest honors, being named the Riverside Samaritan of the Year Award in 2010. A gathering for family and friends will be held Sunday, April 26 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Schreffler Funeral Home; 1900 West Court in Kankakee. There will be a funeral service on Monday, April 27 at College Church of the Nazarene in Bourbonnais located at 200 University Ave. at 11 a.m. with a one-hour visitation prior to service. Burial will immediately follow the funeral service at Mound Grove Cemetery in Kankakee. Memorials may be made to the Summerville Methodist Church, P.O. Box 839, Summerville, SC, 29485 or to the Riverside Healthcare Foundation Samaritan Society, 350 N. Wall Kankakee, Illinois 60901.

Bruce Burrill Schreffler

June 17, 1943 - April 12, 2026

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Bruce Burrill Schreffler

June 17, 1943 - April 12, 2026

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

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About Us

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Obituaries

Grief & Healing

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