Bruce Warren Boardman passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on the night of October 9, 2026 at the Rochelle Community Hospital. He was born on March 17, 1947, to Warren S. and Elsie M. (Hansen) Boardman in Chicago, IL. He grew up in Homewood-Flossmoor, IL through the 9th grade when his family then moved back home to DeKalb, IL. He graduated from DeKalb High School in 1965 where he excelled in basketball, football and tennis. After high school, he attended Northern Illinois University on a basketball scholarship and graduated in 1970 with bachelor’s degree in education. After graduation, he served in the US Army attending basic training at Fort Lewis in Seattle, WA. He then returned to Northern Illinois University as a faculty assistant in the physical education department completing his master’s degree in education in 1973.

His teaching and coaching career began at Keith Country Day School in Rockford, IL, Morrison High School in Morrison, IL and then to Rochelle Township High School in Rochelle, IL where he would teach and coach for 24 years before retiring in 2002. He enjoyed playing, coaching, watching and talking about all sports, particularly the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Bears and Illinois Fighting Illini. He spent his retired years fishing, traveling, antiquing and being around his family.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 50 years, Cathy Boardman, whom he married on January 10, 1976 in the Boardman Chapel at the First United Methodist Church of DeKalb. He is also survived by his two children: Brittany (Kyle) Furman and Brent (Mackenzie) Boardman both of Rochelle and his three grandchildren: Everett and Emmersyn Furman and Blake Boardman. He was preceded in death by his mother and father.

Cremation rites were accorded by the Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle, IL and a celebration of life event will be held on Saturday, November 21 from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm at Fat Cats Alley in Rochelle. Private burial will take place at a later date in the family plot of Fairview Cemetery in DeKalb, IL. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.