The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Bruce Ray Wesner, age 60 of Yankton, SD passed away peacefully at his home Friday morning November 06, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services were held Monday, November 9, 2015 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Chapel, Yankton with Rev. Dave Gunderson officiating. On-line condolences may be sent at: http://www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com.

Bruce was born May 29, 1955 to Dean and Meriallis (Jones) Wesner at the U.S. Naval Station in Coronado, CA. Living in Washington state most of his life, graduating from Bethel High School in 1973.

He attended Pierce and Tacoma Community Colleges obtaining his AAS degree, with courses in Allied Health Studies. He went on to receive his Bachelors of Science, becoming a Board Certified Physician Assistant from the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines, IA in 1993. Holding memberships in (NCCPA) National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, (AAPA) American Academy of Physician Assistants, (SDAPA) South Dakota Academy of Physician Assistants, and (SEMPA) Society of Emergency Medical Physician Assistants. Bruce's career path then began with National Health Service Corps, working in a rural, underserved community, providing much needed health care services. Continuing his career by providing medical services to many community hospitals and clinics, until 2000 when he started his own staffing company, Physician Assistant Staffing Service, LLC. Being the first Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner only staffing company to receive a GSA/FSS government contract. Bruce's passion initially was to provide medical care to the Indian Health Communities, but later expanded to other public/government facilities.

Bruce loved riding his motorcycles. He also enjoyed shooting guns and archery. But his greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grand kids. He also enjoyed volunteer work and served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Beadle-Jerauld Chapter of the American Red Cross.

On March 6, 1999, he married his best friend and the love of his life, Karen (Lammert) Wesner in Ottumwa, IA.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Karen of Yankton and five children: Adam Wesner of Yankton, SD, Rosalee Wesner of Tacoma, WA, Hollie Stoker of Ottumwa, IA, Brandon Culp and Cody Culp, both of Yankton, SD and eight grandchildren; his parents, Dean and Meriallis Wesner of Cathlamet, WA and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by grandparents, Ray and Marge Wesner and Floyd and Hermonia Jones.

A memorial is being established to the Duke Cancer Institute Research Facility and Hospital in Bruce's honor.