Bruce Wayne Milberger

Bruce W. Milberger, passed away July 26, 2025, in Crawford, Nebraska.

Bruce was born May 26, 1941, in Torrington, Wyoming to Gustaf and Lydia Milberger.

After graduating high school, Bruce joined the United States Air Force and served 6 years. Bruce met his wife Shirley, while they were both serving in the Air Force. They were married at Offutt Air Force base near Omaha, Nebraska on December 22, 1961. The couple had many adventures throughout their 63 years of marriage, living in Nebraska, Colorado, Alaska, South Dakota, Arizona and finally settling in Crawford, Nebraska. To this union, four children were born.

Following his discharge from the military and having been bitten by the flying bug, Bruce pursued his pilot’s license and this became his career. Bruce was a skilled pilot and flew several types of planes, from small private crafts to the Learjet. During his career, he worked as a pilot flying employees of the gas pipeline in Alaska and later flying air ambulance also in Alaska. Bruce and Shirley moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota in 1985, where he became employed by the Super 8 Group as a pilot until retiring from flying.

After Bruce’s retirement from flying, he became a pheasant farmer for a time before, leaving Aberdeen behind and moving to Sitka, Alaska in the 90’s, where he became the island manager for Hummingbird Island. After the island was established, Bruce took the clients fishing and made sure they were fed well.

He and Shirley left Alaska and returned to the Aberdeen area in 2002, where they built a home at Mina Lake. Bruce spent his time working on boats and restoration of cars and tractors, as well as helping with farming in the area, until he and Shirley moved into Aberdeen in 2016.

The couple eventually moved to Arizona City, Arizona in 2017 for a few years before making their way to Crawford, NE in 2019.

Bruce was a skilled pilot, mechanic, woodworker and all-around jack of all trades. There was nothing he couldn’t do. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with friends.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, his four children, Teri Miller of Crawford, Nebraska, Bernie Milberger of Chandler, Arizona, Steve (Vicki) Milberger of Arizona City, Arizona and Julie (David) Moffenbier of Westport, South Dakota, eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren, three sisters and several nieces and nephews.

Bruce was preceded in death by both parents, several siblings and his youngest granddaughter, Emma Nelson.

Bruce requested to be cremated and that no formal service be held.

Condolences may be sent c/o Julie Moffenbier at 11824 387th Avenue, Westport, SD 57481.