Bruce L Pierce

Bruce L Pierce, age 79, of Leesburg, a lifelong resident of Mineral Springs Landing on Lake Tippecanoe, passed away on August 18, 2026, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born on April 1, 1947, in Warsaw, Indiana to Lynn and Mildred (Evers) Pierce.

Bruce was a proud third-generation owner and operator of the Tippecanoe Boat Company, a business his grandfather and namesake founded in 1925. Living out this family legacy, Bruce guided the company with fairness and an unwavering sense of integrity. His deep respect for both employees and customers was well-known—many would say the employees were as much a part of the family as those who shared his last name. Bruce was especially proud to see his daughter, Hallie, join him in the family business, eventually passing the torch to her as the fourth generation took the helm.

A graduate of Indiana University, Bruce earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, focusing his creative energy on print making. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta during his college years, fostering friendships and memories that lasted throughout his life. Bruce also answered the call to serve his country, spending time with the Indiana Army National Guard, a period he looked back on with pride.

Bruce's passions extended far beyond his professional life. He was an ardent outdoorsman, renowned for his enthusiasm for waterfowl hunting and fly fishing. Whether casting lines in Montana, Alaska, Chile, Belize, Honduras, New Zealand, Canada, the Florida Keys, or his own beloved Midwestern lakes and rivers, Bruce found joy and peace on the water. He built drift boats, crafted bamboo fly rods, and tied thousands of flies. Introducing others to the art of fishing and hunting brought him immense satisfaction; he had a true wealth of knowledge to share, always ready with advice or a story at hand. Watching wildlife and sunrises from his home was a cherished ritual, as was the solitude and awe he felt for the landscape of Lake Tippecanoe.

He also loved spending time with his dogs, training them to work alongside him, and sharing countless adventures. Music, especially the blues, was another of Bruce’s lifelong joys. From the classic sounds of Sam Cooke and Taj Mahal to newer voices like Nat Myers, tunes often played as the soundtrack to moments shared with his beloved wife, Cindy. They traveled together, often singing along to “the oldies” and treasuring time spent with their grandchildren.

Those who knew Bruce remember his sharp wit, sarcastic humor, and steadfast pride in his life’s work. For more than fifty years, he served generations of boating families on Lake Tippecanoe, building friendships and a legacy that will endure in the stories and memories of everyone who crossed his path.

Bruce leaves behind his loving wife, Cindy Pierce of Leesburg, and his children: daughter, Hallie (Cullen Reece) Metze of Winona Lake, step-son, Ben (Maggie) Brunner of Elkhart, and step-daughter, Elizabeth (Brian) O’Connor of Huntertown. His memory will be cherished by his grandchildren: Isabelle, Tommy B, Pierce, Tommy O, Bo, Michael, Lauren, Harry, Kate, and Teddy. He is also survived by his sister, Diane Seybert of Indianapolis, who shared in a lifetime of family bonds and fond memories.

A private service will be announced at a future date for family and close friends to gather to honor and remember Bruce’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes are that donations be directed to Fly Fishers International or The Watershed Foundation. Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 8056 East 500 North, North Webster, 46555 has been entrusted with the care of Bruce. To send an online condolence, please visit: www.TitusFuneralHome.com