Born to Life on April 10, 1933. Professed - September 24, 1955. Ordained Priest - June 4, 1960. Born to Eternal Life on August 26, 2023.

Fr. Bruce James Schute, was a remarkable Pallottine Priest who dedicated his life to serving others in various ministries. From the early days of his priestly life as a Faculty in the Seminary, as a compassionate teacher in the school, as a devoted Associate Pastor in the parish, and later as a hospital chaplain, Fr. Bruce's commitment to his vocation shone brightly. He lived a life of intimate union with God and reached out God’s people with great love and compassion. Like St. Vincent Pallotti, our founder, Fr. Bruce James Schute was a tireless apostle, inspirer of holy enthusiasm and magnificent in his many different roles as a Pallottine. 

Various Ministries of Fr. Bruce James Schute

1960- June 1964/ Faculty Member and Music Director at Queen of Apostolate Seminary- Madison, Wisconsin.

1964- June 1972/ Faculty Pius XI Catholic High School, Milwaukee.

1972-June 1974/Director of Religious Education and Associate Pastor, at St. Mary Parish Menomonee Falls.

1974-July 1975/ Director, St. Vincent Pallotti Retreat Centre

1975-Septemer 1978/Associate Pastor, St. Vincent Pallotti (Holy Cross) Parish. 1979-1997/ Hospital chaplain at different Hospitals such as Copley Memorial Hospital, Aurora, Illinois, Trinity Memorial Hospital Cudahy, Wisconsin, and Froedtert Hospital WI.

1998-April 2007/ Ministry Assistant at St. Cecilia Parish Calgary Alberta Canada, 2007- Ongoing Ministries in Convents, Retirement Homes, Parishes, and at Pallotti Home.

As a young Priest, he considered his work as a Faculty at the Seminary, as a gift and privilege to be part of the sacred ministry of facilitating the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the seminarians who wish to wholeheartedly dedicate their lives to Jesus, the High Priest.  As a formator of the young seminarians, he accompanied them like a father with great love and empathy. He gave much emphasis to a rigorous and holistic approach to the development, healing, and conversion of the candidates for the priesthood. The seminarians loved Fr. Bruce Schute with much affection. As a Faculty at the School, he was sensitive to what was happening to the society, especially the children and the young people. He loved the students and worked for their holistic development with patience and sense of humor.

As hospital chaplain, Fr. Bruce extended his love and compassion to those in their most vulnerable moments, offering solace and spiritual support to patients and their families. His presence brought comfort and healing, reflecting the light of Christ in every interaction.

As Associate Pastor, he lived an exemplary life, through his tireless dedication to shepherding the flock and selflessness in serving them. He accompanied the parishioners in their life and made every effort to revive faith and enkindle charity among them.  

Fr. Bruce's zeal for saving souls for Christ was evident as he engaged himself in various other ministries at centers like Pallotti Retreat Centre, Pallotti Home, Retirement Homes, and Convents. His unwavering dedication and deep faith has inspired countless souls to embrace their own spirituality and make a positive impact on others.

Throughout his life, Fr. Bruce exemplified the true essence of a servant of God, radiating love, compassion, and a genuine desire to bring Christ's message of hope to all. His unwavering commitment to his calling touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

In celebrating Fr. Bruce's life, let us remember and cherish the incredible legacy he leaves behind. May his unwavering dedication, boundless love, and profound compassion continue to inspire us all to live lives of service, mirroring the selflessness and grace that he embodied.

He is predeceased by his parents, Conrad Bethla and Irene Bethla (née Heitman); brothers-in-law, Norman Kelly and Lee Kanngieser; and great grand niece, Lyla Kelly. He is survived by the Pallottine Fathers and Brothers Community who he has been a part of for the past 75 years; his sister, Maryrose Kelly-Kanngieser (née Bethla); nephews, Daniel Kelly, Jeff (Sue) Kelly, and Tom (Laurie) Kelly; great nephews, Nick (Emily) Kelly and Trent Kelly; great nieces, Amanda (Brad) Allen, Jordynn Kelly, Meaghan (Tyler) Maybee, and Caitlin Kelly; great grand nephews, Brooklyn Allen, Beckett Allen, and Braylon Allen; great grand niece, Peyton Kelly; cousins, Ann (Jesse) Cortez, as well as all the Heitman cousins, and Barbara (Earl) Schwartzhuber. Also survived by many friends. 

Maryrose and Bruce, who were 8 years apart, only spent a few years together during their childhood. Bruce left home at the age of 14 to follow his vocation as a priest. Maryrose was six at this time. Even though Bruce truly enjoyed his life as a Pallottine priest, he loved coming to Maryrose’s home where he was part of her family’s celebrations of birthdays, holidays and other events. He was also able to travel to places like Europe, Israel, and Australia. He served God and others through his teaching, parish work, and as a chaplain. He said his happiest time was the seven years he spent as an associate pastor in Calgary, Canada. He gained many friendships throughout his ministry. Bruce loved to bike ride and spent many years doing that. After he retired, he changed his exercise to walking which he did almost every day. He loved classical music and sang with the Bel Canto Chorus and Milwaukee Archdiocesan Choir, as well as his parish choir. He was very competitive no matter what game he played. Bruce definitely was a man of God who spent his life in prayer and serving others. May God welcome His servant home.

Visitation on Thursday, September 7, 2023 from 9:30 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM at St. Vincent Pallotti Parish (East Site), 5424 W. Bluemound Rd. Burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Pallottine Father's and Brother's Education Fund appreciated.  The family would to thank the staff at St. Camillus Assisted Living and his special friend Marilyn for their loving care given to Father Bruce.