Obituary of Bruce Palmer Thill

Bruce Palmer Thill passed away at his home on May 8, 2026 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Rose, and his children, Matt (Bernice), Peter (Gabby), Paul (Jill), and Julia (Jason) and 12 grandchildren.

Bruce was born on October 6, 1937 to Monica (Metz) and Francis Thill in Buffalo, NY. He grew up with his 5 siblings in Lancaster, NY and attended Canisius College. An ROTC member, he enlisted in the United States Army after earning his PhD in Chemistry at Notre Dame University. He served in the Army at Edgewood Arsenal, discharging honorably as a Captain.

Bruce and Rose were married in 1963 and moved to Maryland later that year as Bruce began his military service, shortly after he defended his PhD thesis. They came to Midland in 1966, when Bruce started his career as a research scientist at Dow Chemical. He worked there until retiring in 2000 as a Senior Scientist.

Bruce was an active member of his community and church. He frequently served as eucharistic minister at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and served on the Diocesan Review Board for 16 years. Bruce was one of the original board members for 1016 Recovery Network, at one point serving as its Chair. He mentored youth programs at the church and was a Scout Leader. He enjoyed making science fun for others, leading interactive science education programs at local schools during his retirement.

Bruce loved to spend time with family and friends in the great outdoors. He was on the ski patrol at Pine Haven, and also enjoyed sailing, biking, and hiking. He volunteered his time helping to maintain the Colorado Trail several summers.

Servanthood was a theme throughout Bruce’s life, to his country, profession, community, church, wife and children.

A funeral mass will take place at Blessed Sacrament Parish, 3109 Swede Road, Midland on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11 am and Bruce’s family will receive visitors at the church before the funeral mass from 9:30-11 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation or to Blessed Sacrament Parish.  To sign the online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.