M. Bruce Harlan

M. Bruce Harlan, of South Bend, Indiana, passed peacefully joining his late wife, Juanita Jean, on December 28 2024 at age 96. He was born in Kansas City, MO on September 30,1928 to the late Marvin and Hazel Harlan. In 1942 his father was transferred to South Bend, IN. Bruce first attended Riley High and in 1945 graduated from John Adams High. 

 After graduating with a degree in Business Administration in 1949, and later a Masters of Arts from Notre Dame, on August 20, 1949, Bruce married the love of his life, Juanita Jean Marsh. This marriage would last 65 years until her death on August 13, 2014, at age 87.

 In college, Bruce worked as a photographer for the student newspaper and had many photographs in the Notre Dame yearbook, The Dome. Upon graduation he was asked to establish a Photographic Department for the University. He became the Chief Photographer immediately after graduation and remained employed by Notre Dame for 44 years, retiring in 1993 as Director of Photography and Television Production.

 Bruce is survived by his daughter, Linda Jean (Paul) Williams and his son Robert Bruce (Valisa) Harlan, all of Granger. Five grandchildren; Scott (Ashley Puckett) Williams, Brian Williams, Heather Thomas and fiancé Tommy Balogh, Tyler (Megan) Harlan, and Spencer Harlan; three great grandchildren, Trevor Rhoton, Sophia, and Theodore Harlan. Colonel Potter, his beloved 15 year -old mini Schnauzer also survives and is living on with the family.

 Bruce was well loved at home and work, he was a man that always had a smile and a good word for all. His accolades and accomplishments leave a lasting legacy and were something he took great pride in. 

 He worked with the late Fr. Theodore Hesburgh C.S.C. on his book and having one of his photos chosen to be a U.S. Postal Service commemorative stamp, he taught in the summers at the Sony Corporation, Hollywood, CA. for the American Film Institute. Bruce received The Notre Dame Presidential Award in 1989 from then President, Father Edward “Monk” Malloy C.S.C., for four decades of outstanding service.

 Bruce also proudly served on the boards of Logan Center and River Bend Council of Campfire and along with his late wife “JJ” were members of the Clay United Methodist Church, South Bend.

 In Lieu of flowers we ask that you kindly make a donation in memory of Bruce Harlan to the Humane Society of St. Joseph County, https://humanesocietystjc.org/.

 Funeral Services for Bruce will be held on Friday, January 3, 2024 at 12 p.m. at the McGann Hay, Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23, entrance off Cherry RD, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park.