Bruce Harold Mavis was born on June 14, 1962 in Norfolk, Nebraska to Harold and Dorothy (Blair) Mavis and went peacefully to his heavenly home on August 7, 2026 in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 64 years.
Bruce grew up around Tilden, Nebraska, where he spent his childhood exploring the Yellow Banks and helping his Aunt Mary on the farm. He had a lifelong love of music, enjoying both listening to records and making music himself. In high school, Bruce played trumpet and guitar in the band. He graduated from Elkhorn Valley High School in 1980.
Bruce eventually found his way to Seward, Nebraska, where a Kitones choir rehearsal changed his life. There, he caught the eye of the guest conductor, Cindy Giesselman. The two married in 2000 and welcomed their daughter, Elizabeth, three years later. Though Bruce was dedicated to his work, his favorite place was home. He loved spending time with Cindy, Elizabeth, and his cats, watching and feeding the birds, grilling, cooking special meals with Elizabeth, playing games, and playing his guitar, a talent he truly had a gift for. Bruce also had a passion for growing giant pumpkins, some weighing 400 pounds, which he proudly shared with local Seward businesses to display each fall.
On top of his family life, Bruce was a professional truck driver for more than 30 years and proudly boasted of his spotless driving record. A lover of all things “big rig,” he cherished traveling and sight-seeing from the seat of his Peterbilt, logging thousands of miles and countless hours on the CB. Always dressed to a tee, he earned the CB handle “Sharp Dressed Man.” Bruce ended his career with Farmers Oil Company of Anthony, Kansas, where he was proud to be part of the Farmers family and loved showing off their shiny rigs.
In 2023, Bruce had to officially “park” his truck after being diagnosed with late-stage esophageal cancer. After a long fight filled with chemotherapy, surgeries, and numerous hospital stays, cancer caught up with Bruce in the end, but it never took his spirit. He kept moving forward, with his foot on the gas and his eyes on the road, right up until the very end. Bruce lived his entire life with Jesus at the center, allowing his faith to guide him through every season. He held Scripture close to his heart, worshiped through song, and faithfully served his church and community with his music, his time, and above all, his love for others.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Dorothy Mavis; brother-in-law, Jim Ackman; brother-in-law, Bryan Giesselman; and many aunts and uncles.
Survivors cherishing his memory include his loving wife, Cindy (Giesselman) Mavis, Lincoln, NE; daughter, Elizabeth Mavis, Omaha, NE; sister, Norma Thies, Tilden, NE; sister, Beverly (Bob) Jacobsen, Colleyville, TX; sister, Dorothy Ackman, Silverdale, WA; sister-in-law, Kathy (Greg) Gerk, Greeley, CO; sister-in-law; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends whom he adored.
In the days ahead, Bruce would want everyone to remember to “Keep the shiny side up.”
One thought on “Bruce Harold Mavis”
Our Deepest Sympathy to Cindy, Elizabeth and the entire family!