Pastor Bruce Ekern, 69, of Celina, died 7:35 A.M. Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at his residence.

He was born January 26, 1953, in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, the son of Myron and Marjorie (Hanson) Ekern. He married Karin Avina on August 26, 1978, in Seattle, Washington; she survives in Celina.

He is also survived by his children: Joel (Melissa) Ekern of Celina; Rachael (Brandon) House of Celina; Gabriel (Hannah Carlson) Ekern of Celina. He is survived by his two grandchildren: Madeleine Ekern and Audrina Ekern. Also surviving are his siblings: Laurie Servais of LaCrosse; Terry Ekern of Sparta, Wisconsin; Kathy Ekern of Sparta; Dennis Ekern of LaCrosse.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bruce was a 1971 graduate of Westby High School in Westby, Wisconsin, and a graduate of Christ For the Nations Bible Institute in Dallas, Texas. He served several churches during his ministry, including Austin Christian Fellowship in Austin, Minnesota; The Church of the Open Bible, also in Austin, and he moved to Celina in 2004 to serve at New Life Christian Center. Bruce loved music and served as a worship leader at New Life Christian Center.

Funeral rites will be held 7:00 P.M. Thursday, October 6, 2022, at New Life Christian Center, 7015 Haveman Road, Celina, Pastor Jason King, officiant.

Memorial gifts may be given to the New Life Christian Center Youth Group, and condolences may be sent to Pastor Bruce's family via Millerfuneralhomes.net.