Bruce Leep

Bruce Leep, 89, of Highland, IN passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones on October 12, 2025. Bruce was born on September 30, 1936, in Highland, IN to Nicholas “Bud” and Hilda Leep. He graduated with bachelor’s from Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI and he earned his master’s from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA. Bruce taught English, biology, and theatre at Illiana Christian High school. He also taught at Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN. In August 1967, he married Mary Brett. Bruce never tired of academics and went on to learn a new skill and work in the financial world and was the president of the Bank of Highland (renamed Sandridge Bank; now First Financial Bancorp). He held the position president/CEO for several years, retiring near the age of 70. In 1980 and 1982, Bruce and Mary decided to add to their family and adopted two girls, Emily and Carrie. Bruce was not one to stay still, after he retired from the banking world, he went back to his original passion, education and taught English/English composition at Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, IL.

Bruce was an active member in the church and a devote man of faith. He was a member of First United Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hammond, IN. He served as church council president several times, as well as on other committees. He was also a Deacon. Bruce’s faith was of utmost importance to him. He was one of the best examples of how one lives by their faith.

Bruce loved the arts and was an avid art collector, collecting paintings and bronze. He enjoyed sharing the stories of how he got his art pieces and what they meant to him. He loved the theater, musicals and plays attending performances often. Bruce also loved the symphony and attended many performances over the years.

He enjoyed traveling, both in the United States and around the world. He and Mary took several trips together and as their daughters got older, they took them on adventures around the world.

Bruce has touched so many lives in so many ways. He was always there with encouraging and supportive words when needed, to share his knowledge and wisdom. He will be deeply missed and remembered fondly by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; two daughters, Emily (Thomas) and Carrie (Craig), and his sister, Joyce, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Hilda (Zandstra) Leep, brothers Barton and Ken, and his sister Jean.

Visitation will be held on October 24th, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at First United Evangelical Lutheran Church 6705 Hohman Ave Hammond, IN, 46324. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 pm, also at the church. Interment will follow the service at Concordia Cemetery 6551 Calumet Ave, Hammond, IN 46324. A luncheon for close family and friends will be held, also at First United Evangelical Lutheran Church 6705 Hohman Ave Hammond, IN 46324, following interment.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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