Bruce William Vanderbloemen, Sr.

Bruce William Vanderbloemen, Sr., age 78, of Lenoir, NC, passed away peacefully at home on March 4, 2026.

Bruce was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on May 9, 1947, the son of the late Richard and Dorothy Vanderbloemen. After graduation from Lenoir High School, as president of his senior class, Bruce attended and graduated from Davidson College and UNC School of Law. After graduation, Bruce clerked for the Honorable Dan K. Moore on the North Carolina Supreme Court and then joined the Lenoir firm of Townsend and Todd. For over fifty years, Bruce was highly regarded in the community, both as a lawyer and a gentleman.

Behind his kind and easygoing manner was a sharp legal mind that offered practical advice to families and businesses in Lenoir and surrounding communities. Bruce’s colleagues understood his talent and reputation as a “straight shooter,” electing him to numerous leadership roles in the bar, including President of the Caldwell County Bar Association, and recognizing him with multiple awards.

When things needed doing, Bruce did them, for his family, friends, clients, and the community. Over his decades of service he had many roles. Bruce led Cedar Rock Country Club as its President on several occasions and formed the Village of Cedar Rock. He coached youth soccer teams and volunteered at many Hibriten High School athletic events. Bruce served on the boards of the Caldwell Memorial Hospital Foundation, the Caldwell Hospice Foundation, and the Coffey Foundation, which awards grants to college-bound students from Caldwell County. He was elected Elder with First (Lenoir) Presbyterian Church, where he also faithfully acted as a liaison to Dulatown Presbyterian Church. Among his lasting contributions, Bruce played an instrumental role in the restoration of Fort Defiance, the home of Revolutionary War General William Lenoir, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Bruce’s avid fitness habit/addiction was known to many and included multiple marathons and running to his office and all over Lenoir, with frequent New Year’s Day runs up Hibriten Mountain and him once carrying the Olympic torch on an uphill stretch of Highway 321 toward Blowing Rock. Bruce was also a college wrestler, football and rugby player at Davidson, and once bowled a perfect 300 game. Bruce was an excellent college golfer and the owner of a rare competitive double eagle.

Above all, Bruce was most grateful for his family and friends and the time spent with them over the years, whether on the golf course, at the beach, on trips, or just at home.

Bruce was truly a unique and wonderful person. His awareness of the right thing to do in all situations was unmatched. With a kind heart, soft spoken manner and a quick wit, he embodied a Vanderbloemen sense of humor. He will be loved and missed, but always remembered, by his family and friends. The world needs more Bruce Vanderbloemens.

Bruce is survived by Gwen, his beloved wife and amazing and tireless caregiver. He is also survived by his sons, William (Adrienne) Vanderbloemen of Houston, TX, Brian (Christina) Vanderbloemen of Alexandria, VA and Thomas (Sara) Vanderbloemen of Greenville, SC, and his daughters, Lori (Brad) Queener of Myrtle Beach, SC, Renee Alexander of San Francisco and Tara Sigmon of Faith, NC.

Bruce was exceptionally proud of his wonderful grandchildren, Matthew (Liz) Vanderbloemen, Mary (Josh) Manning, Sarah Vanderbloemen, Winnie Gordon, Will Gordon, Emma Vanderbloemen, and Macy Vanderbloemen; Boone, Campbell and Quincy Vanderbloemen; Sutton and Sam Vanderbloemen; and Graycen and Tristan Queener.

Bruce is also survived by his brothers John (Paula) Vanderbloemen of Hickory and David (Vicki) Vanderbloemen of Morganton. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Dotts, and his older brother, Richard.

Gwen would like to give a special thank you for the phenomenal care and support provided to her by Melissa Anderson and George Danner, as well as the support from AMOREM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making contributions to your own favorite charity, or perhaps to Lenoir Service League or Helping Hands in Bruce’s name. Evans Funeral Home is assisting the family.

There will be a celebration of life service at Lenoir Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 12:00 noon. Receiving will follow the service in the church’s chapel.