Michael Lee Bruce, 67, of Atlanta KS, passed away peacefully Friday, July 14, 2023 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, after a courageous two week battle with illness. "Mike" was born in Wichita, Kansas on December 17, 1955.  He was preceded in death by his father, Carroll "Casey" Bruce.

Mike is survived by his mother, Goldie Bruce, sister, Debbie Brady, niece, Stacie Brady-Heimlich (Maurice), cousin Linda Schwinn (Lyman) and great-nieces and nephews, Blake, Sloane, Sam and Seth. He's also survived by his furbabies, dog, Taz, horses, Smokey and Heck, and his dear friends Gene and Gail Wonser, and Rick and Sharon Eisnaugle.

Mike grew up in Wichita, and after graduating from South High, he went to work at Boeing (later to become Spirit) where he was an overhead crane operator for over 30 years.  He hated it, but hey, it paid the bills. To offset the mundane job, he sought challenging adventures outside of work, including traveling the U.S. and Mexico competing in windsurfing competitions and racing motocross, even competing in the windsurfing Olympic Trials the first year the sport was included in the games. Mike also went cross country as a staff member with the "Great American Horse Race of 1976".  This was a historical bicentennial event, riders from all over the world participated in the endurance race, covering 3,000 miles starting in New York and ending in California.  Aside from these adventures, Mike preferred the quiet life on his 250 acre farm, it was his sanctuary.  He was an avid hunter and loved kayak fishing.  He also loved to debate politics, it was something he was passionate about. Mikes favorite thing to do was to visit his family during the Christmas holidays.

After transitioning to Hospice from ICU he was heavily medicated, but it didn't stop him from waking up late at night to share quick, important anecdotes with his niece who remained by his bedside.  For example, he thought she should know, he got banned from Joyland for spitting off the top of the Ferris Wheel.  He maintained his wry sense of humor and empathy for others to the very end.  He will be missed by family and friends. The family would also like to thank the outstanding medical team at Wesley Medical Center for their dedication and compassion, specifically Dr. Guhl, Ashley, Rachel, Cole, Shelby, Julia, Kelly and Betsey.