Funeral Details

Bruce Robert Friedman

October 7, 1951 - October 19, 2025

SERVICE INFORMATION

Date and Time

Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM

Service

Chicago Jewish Funerals
Buffalo Grove Chapel
195 North Buffalo Grove Road
Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089
Get Directions

Clergy

Rabbi Stephen Hart

Interment - Private

Shiva

The Friedman Residence
406 Elm Drive
Wheeling, Illinois 60090
708.772.1556
Get Directions
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 6PM-8:30PM

Shiva Coordinator - Leslie Izen - 773.817.2035

Memorial Contributions

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Foundation
225 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611
www.luriechildrens.org/donate





OBITUARY

Bruce Robert Friedman

Beloved husband for 49 years of Wendy. Loving father of Loni (Ross) Bertone, Brett Friedman, Grant (Brittany) Friedman, and Aaron Finkel. Proud Papa of A.J., Mason, Keely, Coty, Mazy, Lyle, and Charlotte. Dear brother of Sheri (David) Wishnia and the late Judy (Howard) Burnett and brother-in-law of Jan Gerber and Debbi (Jerry) Brodsky. Fond uncle and cousin of many. Services, Sunday 2PM at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 195 North Buffalo Grove Road (1 Block North of Lake Cook Road), Buffalo Grove. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Foundation, 225 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611, www.luriechildrens.org/donate. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Buffalo Grove Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com


GUEST BOOK

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My heart is broken and can only imagine how painful losing Bruce must be.

Judy Halpern
October 20, 2025
Love you bruce and your family so many great memories at the rink you will be missed by all your positive attitude and you engaging voice made the ice show and the ice rink a special place to be

Joel @jackie Berger
October 20, 2025
Bruce has held a very special place in my heart and played a vital role in my life forever. I remember our family seders growing up. I remember when he had the lead in The Pajama Game. I remember his Bar Mitzvah. I remember when he first started dating Wendy and brought her to a family dinner at the Cantonese Chef. I remember Bruce and Wendy's wedding. I remember Bruce and Wendy bringing Loni to dinner at the Cantonese Chef when she was only 1 week old. I remember Bruce holding Brett during Brett's bris. I remember Bruce and Wendy letting me stay with them when I ran away from home at 20 years old. I remember spending time with Bruce and Wendy in Anaheim, CA and in Las Vegas, NV, and most recently when they came to visit me in Palm Springs. And I remember Bruce helping me through some very difficult times. But most of all, I will always remember Bruce as the free spirited, generous, loving, genter person who was devoted to his family. I will remember the fun times we had, the happy times when we celebrated and rejoiced, and the way he touched my soul.

Alan Drucker
October 20, 2025
My condolences too all. So, so many family memories, South side & Skokie family celebrations and parties.

Love to all,
Cousin Sciott.

Scott Friedman
October 20, 2025
No words … all me heart goes out to wendy and the kids

Steve Patton
October 20, 2025
Condolences to the families. A great employee of the Northbrook Park District. A Privilege to work for him.October 20 2025 Karl Lindahl.

Karl Lindahl
October 20, 2025
Our thoughts and condolences to the entire Friedman family. Pam and I are shocked and greatly saddened by Bruce’s passing. My deepest sympathies to you, Wendy. He was very loved by so many.

Pam & Mark Friedman
October 20, 2025
Our condolences too the Family. Forever remembered, forever missed

Rita & Laszlo Klinko

Rita Klinko
October 20, 2025
Bruce my dear friend you will truly be missed so many great and wonderful memories in our long days and nights at the Sports Center, you were more then a friend you weee family to me and I’m deeply saddened hearing this news, Wendy and the kids will always be in my prayers, Rest in piece my friend you may have left us way to early but you will forever be in my heart always Love you Bruce.

Ernie Gray
October 20, 2025
Roger and I are wish to express our deepest sympathies to all the Friedman family. Bruce was such a sweet and kind person. He touched many peoples hearts. He will be greatly missed.

Margaret Eisen
October 20, 2025
I truly loved this One of a Kind Man. Bruce could and would do it all. I could never express what this guy taught me. He set an example of how to work hard, have fun, and enjoy life. He was loyal and forgiving. But most of all, this Man loved his wife and family. I spent some of the greatest years of my life with Bruce. I always looked forward to running into him. This hurts us all, Peace to Wendy and his family.

John Flynn
October 20, 2025
We are deeply saddened by the news, and our hearts go out to Wendy and her entire family during this difficult time. Thinking about Bruce instantly brings back so many special memories—especially the sound of his voice, always full of joy and tradition. He had an incredible way of making everyone feel welcome. His legacy lives on in the laughter he sparked, the stories he shaped, and the traditions he nurtured. We’re lucky we got to know Bruce and share so many unforgettable moments at the rink over the years.

Heather, Linda, & John Aseltine
October 20, 2025
I was devastated to hear about your sudden loss and my heart goes out to all of you.

Deanise & Jerry Stegmeyer
October 20, 2025
I'm am so sorry and sad about Bruce . He was a great man always happy and hard working !! He made you all proud!! I wish I could be there .

Alene Wintroub
October 20, 2025
I’m deeply saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing—this loss truly hits hard. As “The Voice of Northbrook on Ice,” I can still hear his familiar voice saying, “Please give a warm, warm welcome to……..” There will never be another Bruce. To know him was to love him, and I feel truly fortunate to have known him for many years through the Park District. He was kind, gracious, and genuinely interested in everyone he met and knew. Bruce touched so many hearts and will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered always. Sending so much love and light to your entire family during this most difficult time. May Bruce’s memory be a blessing {HUGS}

Jodi Slovin
October 20, 2025
Dear Loni , I am so heart broken to hear about your dad’s passing . He was always helping me in my Northbrook days.
He rewired a lamp for me that I had gotten at a flea market and always looked out for me .
He was just so kind and generous.
I am keeping you all in my prayers .
Love
Paula

Paula Wagener
October 21, 2025
MY Condolences go out to the family. So many good times and laughs with Bruce that I remember working with him.

ken schroeder
October 21, 2025
So sorry to hear. My prayers to awendy and the family. Bruce was a great guy and will be missed

Mike Nardella
October 21, 2025
So saddened to hear this news. Bruce was always a shoulder to lean on and always had time to listen to you. Bruce (and Wendy) provided me with much needed advice. Always enjoyed working with Bruce and looking forward to that special way he had. His voice will always be missed for Northbrook On Ice, I am glad I was part of that, and Bruce was part of my life. Blessings to Wendy and the family.

Roxanne Macrito
October 21, 2025
Michael and I are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Bruce's passing! Our sincere condolences go out to all of you. Bruce was such a fixture and a presence in our lives for so long. I can hear his announcing voice and his huge laugh even now. He brought much joy and a humble charm to so many over the years. He was one fine human and will be missed! With love, Karen

Karen Delott
October 21, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss.
Denise Patinka Leving

Denise Leving
October 21, 2025
So very sorry to hear - what a special man he was to the community of northbrook park district! Sending love and condolences to all of you!

Kim Pollak
October 21, 2025
Sadness has hit me hard with the calls I received about the passing of one of my Northbrook - On - Ice partners for so many years.Hard to believe that Bruce has left us so early in life. To the entire family I am so sorry to hear this news. The voice of Northbrook - on -Ice has been called to the BIG Show up in the heavens with the rest of the group (Fran - Cal - Shirley - Hugh - Brad - etc. and all that have left us.
Job well done Bruce, and thanks for being a friend and partner to so many. You will always be remembered.
Wendy and family may he watch over you all from the heavens.

Thoughts always
John "JQ" Quinn

John Quinn
October 21, 2025
Bruce has known me since I was a little girl, and he was always a light at the park district for me. Every time I would see Bruce at the rink through the years or run into him and Wendy at the grocery store, I was always greeted with the biggest smile and warmest hug. Bruce was the voice I heard for 15 years skating at Northbrook on Ice, and I will always remember how special and important he made me feel every time I stepped on that ice.

Abby Slovin
October 21, 2025
So many fond working memories of Bruce at Northbrook Park District.. Rest in Peace Dear Heart .
Teri Lea Greco

Teri Lea Greco
October 21, 2025
I'm so sad & sorry for the entire family. Bruce was 1 of the best people I've ever known. So kind, funny, deeply caring for his children & grandchildren & all who had the pleasure of being his friend.
Bruce was a wonderful husband to Wendy. I loved spending time with the 2 of them. I watched how they interacted with each other. They had something special between them that most couples only wish for. Both were always loving to each other. More importantly, they trusted each other completely. And they knew how to communicate effectively.
I'm so sad for everyone who knew & loved him.
I know this is a huge loss for Wendy, all of their children & grandchildren.

Judy Kolodny-Meyerhoff
October 21, 2025
Wendy and family: Hearing of Bruce’s passing has been so very difficult. He lived life to its fullest with love and was so very proud of his family. All I keep thinking is that he was such a good guy. Daniel wanted you to know that he always thought Bruce watched out for him at the rink - lots of good memories. Even if we didn’t see each other often, cousins always have a special bond. My heartfelt condolences 💔

Debbie, Kurt, and Daniel

Debbie Vietinghoff
October 21, 2025
To the Freidman family ,
The Andrews family is sending you all our love and hugs and strength! Bruce was a Wonderful caring kind humble man! His presence at the rink will be greatly missed ! Northbrook on ice was always a huge part of our life ! Everyone was always so happy to hear Bruce’s voice every year for the show! He was an icon at the rink!!! Huge hugs to everyone he was a great person! May his memory always be a blessing and may you all remember his kind soul! He lives inside all of you!! With lots of love !
Andrews family

Steve and Melissa Andrews
October 21, 2025
I was so surprised to hear of Bruce’s passing. He was such a kind and gentle person, We first met at Warren school when we sat next to each other in eighth grade. He was always smiling and volunteering and being kind. We stayed acquainted all our lives. My heart is truly broken. He made such a positive influence on me and everyone he touched. Deepest deepest sympathy.

Phyllis Mandell Victorson
October 21, 2025
Dear Wendy and all family members we are so deeply sorry to hear of this. I will always treasure his jovial spirit and laughter and loving his family so much. My deepest sympathy love always, Michelle Fink ❤️

Michelle Fink
October 23, 2025
Wendy, you were so blessed to have Bruce as your devoted partner and companion. I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish you and your whole family the comfort of many loving relationships, the consolation of many warm and wonderful memories, and inspiration in the years ahead.

Beverly Siegel
October 23, 2025
I have nothing but kind thoughts about Bruce. He was a wonderful guys with a great family May his memory be a blessing. Condolences to his whole family ❤️🙏

Babette Kreiter
October 24, 2025
Sending you all love
My prayers are with you all.

A friend from High School

Debbie Kaye Morris
October 24, 2025
So sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathies. I remember during my junior year in High School Bruce helped me get through a difficult time in my life. My boyfriend broke up with me and I was devastated. We were in home room together and Bruce sat next to me as my last name was Evins. Bruce consoled me and made me feel better. I developed a crush on him but I don’t think he knew that. Years later we ran into each other and went out a few times.

Beverly Dwyer
October 24, 2025
Dear Wendy and family, to our beloved neighbors, we are so sorry to hear about Bruce's passing. We will forever remember his kindness, the delicious smell of BBQ chicken on the grill, and his warm welcome to our little family. Please accept our deepest condolences during this unimaginable difficult time.

Rita T
October 24, 2025
I remember him but can’t recall any anecdotes. So sorry!

Karyn Lewis Searcy-Bair
October 24, 2025
Dear Loni and family,

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your wonderful father. We are thinking of you, sending prayers, and keeping you and your family in our hearts at this time.

Love,
Addison and Teralyn

Addison Keith
October 25, 2025
Wendy and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Bruce was an even-keeled, kind, and helpful person. I remember him fondly as my point person with the Northbrook Sports Center rink. I was looking forward to reading the book he promised to write after he retired: "As the Ice Melts." May his memory be a blessing.

Jim Hanlon
October 25, 2025
Wendy and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Bruce was such an even-keeled, kind, and helpful person. I remember him fondly as my point person with the Northbrook Sports Center rink. I was looking forward to reading the book he promised to write after he retired: "As the Ice Melts." May his memory be a blessing.

Jim Hanlon
October 25, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time . We are all gathered with Jan with hugs and support. All of our love to you and the whole family.

Sharon and Jeff Prosansky
October 26, 2025