Bruce Dale Hohenstein

Bruce Dale Hohenstein passed away November 19, 2007, in his home after a long, courageous battle with cancer. 

A lifelong resident of Mt. Auburn, he was born October 12, 1951, in Taylorville, the son of Gloria Anne (Smith) and Dale "Shorty" Hohenstein. He married Debbie Vincent on July 4, 1971, in the Mt. Auburn United Methodist Church. 

Bruce proudly served three consecutive terms as Mayor of Mt. Auburn and was currently serving his fourth term. He dedicated himself to the betterment of the community, showing his commitment at an early age, when as a teenager he mowed more than 30 yards in a single summer. 

His endeavors included helping to found the Mt. Auburn Golf Park, serving for the volunteer Fire Department, and serving as a village trustee. He served on the Christian County Zoning Board and was a precinct committeeman for Mt. Auburn Township. 

A Democrat to the core, Bruce supported his party in political races and events at the city, county, and state levels. 

His dedication extended to charitable and civic efforts as well. He devoted decades of his time and efforts to Lions Club, and in 1982-83, he was the youngest District Governor in the world, serving District 1-L. The Blue Mound Lions Club, which he helped found, recently awarded him with their highest honor, the Melvin Jones Fellow, in recognition of dedicated humanitarian services. He has also been a member of the Kedron Lodge 
AF&AM 340 and the Ansar Shrine. 

For almost 40 years, Bruce served Niantic Crop Service and Hardy Fertilizer Company. He has managed Niantic Crop Service since 1984 and brought his unique business style to the agribusiness world and farmers across Christian and Macon Counties, making as many friends as he did customers in his career. 

Bruce is survived by his wife of 36 years, Debbie, Mt. Auburn; his sons, Wyatt, Springfield, and Clint (Joli), Decatur; one sister, Sandra "Sam" (Phil) Cason, Chatham; one brother, Les (Cathy) Hohenstein, Springfield; mother-in-law, Betty Vincent, Mt. Auburn; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by one son, Reuben James; his parents, Gloria Anne and Shorty Hohenstein; and his father-in-law, Ernie Vincent. 

Services will be held on Tuesday, November 20, with the visitation from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and the funeral service at 2 p.m., both at the Mt. Auburn United Methodist Church, with the Reverend George Heineman officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Auburn Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to Mt. Auburn Golf Park, PO Box 207, or Mt. Auburn United Methodist Church, PO Box 109, both in Mt. Auburn, IL 62547.