Dr. Bruce R. Danner

Dr. Bruce R. Danner, 83, passed away on Monday, April 2, 2018, at Union Hospital surrounded by his family.

Bruce is endearingly remembered by his wife and true love of 60 years, Lois Cashin Danner, his sons Jeffrey R. Danner (Amy) of Wichita, KS; Gregory K. Danner (Angie) of Brownsburg, IN; and his daughter Tracey D. Laubert (Brad) of Terre Haute; three grandchildren, Megan Laubert Buescher (James), Mallory Laubert Messens (Sydney), and Caitlyn Danner; two step-grandchildren, Colby Coffman (Ashley) and Courtney Coffman Sayler (Logan).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley J. and Edna V. Danner, his sister Barbara (Sue) New, brother-in-law John R. New, and nephew Keith S. New.

Bruce was born in Hinsdale, IL, on April 8, 1934. He graduated from Lyons Township High School in La Grange, IL, and received his BA from DePauw University, where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. He completed his MS at University of Iowa and his Ph.D at Ohio University, both of these advanced degrees in physics. 

Bruce taught at DePauw University and Oakland University before joining the faculty at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. He began and ended his 30 year tenure at Rose in the Department of Physics. In between, he assumed an administrative role serving as Director of the Waters Computer Center. After retiring in 1998, he again returned to the physics department as an adjunct faculty member until 2012. Bruce’s professional passion for RHIT was not just limited to the classroom and computer center. He attended a variety of athletic events, and along with his wife, he enjoyed attending many fine arts events. In addition, a special part of his involvement was participating in intramural basketball for many years. Bruce also took great pride in the fact his older son Jeff graduated from Rose in 1980. 

In addition to being a member of many professional organizations, Bruce was very proud of the consortium he helped establish with other computer center directors from DePauw, Franklin and Wabash. His involvement in helping to provide computers to all incoming freshman at Rose was also a highlight in his career. 

For many years, Bruce was a multi-faceted member of Community Theatre of Terre Haute. In addition to working in the ticket office and ushering, he served backstage as an assistant director, production chair, and Talley Award winning set designer. This varied backstage work earned him the coveted Mummy Award. Together with his wife Lois, he was also proud to receive both an Angel and Golden Service Award. 

A celebration of life will be held at White Chapel on the campus of Rose-Hulman, 5500 Wabash Ave., Terre Haute, on Saturday, April 21st, at 12:00 PM. Rick Ditteon, Professor of Physics and Optical Engineering, will preside. Visitation will precede the celebration from 10:00 AM to noon. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has established a scholarship for a student majoring in physics.  Donations can be sent to the Bruce R. Danner Memorial Scholarship, c/o Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, 5500 Wabash Ave., Terre Haute, IN 47803.  Gifts can also be made online at <www.rose-hulman.edu/give>. Please note the Bruce R. Danner Scholarship on the online giving form.

Gary Greiner, a dear family friend, and Greiner Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

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