Bruce Lyle Warman

Bruce Lyle Warman, 81, of East Moline, IL, died August 31, 2025, in hospice, surrounded by his loved ones at home.

Bruce was born on March 22, 1944, to parents Lyle Warman and Elizabeth (Betz) Warman, in Seattle, WA. He spent his formative years in Peshastin, WA, working at the family farmstead, orchards and his uncle’s dairy. He graduated from high school in 1962, working at Alcoa to make money to put himself through college. He attended Washington State University (1967) where he received his BS in Engineering.

Bruce completed the ROTC program in college, then received his commission as an officer in the United States Army. He served in the Korean DMZ as Lieutenant and Company Commander, finishing his active-duty military service teaching at WestPoint Military Academy in New York State, where he met his wife. He then served for many years in the Army Reserves and was a proud veteran.

Bruce met his wife, Maureen Fabiano, on July 29, 1969, in Newburgh, New York. A favorite family story is told of how he accidentally stood her up on their first blind date because he fell asleep. He made apologies and managed to set up another “blind” date, and it was love at first sight. 8 months (and many long-distance miles) later, the couple was engaged. They were married on August 2, 1970, at Sacred Heart Church in Newburgh. They then moved to Silvis, IL where they bought their first home and raised their two children. In 1992, they began building their dream home, designed together, on “The Other Property” where they often imagined it after 17 years of ownership. Bruce and Maureen shared 32 years in their home on the hill, and were together there, surrounded by family and friends, when Bruce passed away. They shared an amazing love story and 55 cherished years of marriage.

Moving away from their families in the Pacific Northwest and the Hudson River Valley, the couple ended up in the Midwest due to a big green job. Bruce had spent several summers interning for John Deere during college, and after his discharge from the army, accepted a position as a project engineer. He had a distinguished 35-year career at Deere and Co., receiving 4 US Patents and a lifetime achievement award.

An important part of Bruce’s life was his role as foster parent, which he shared with his wife Maureen. Together, over the course of 37 years, they shared their home and hearts with 132 foster children. Bruce was a wonderful father and mentor to so many.

Bruce strongly believed in the spirit of volunteerism and helped many community organizations over the course of his life. He spent the last 12 years serving on the board of the Rapids City Fire Protection District.

Having a passion for playing with big toys in the dirt, Bruce operated his company, Warman Excavating, for almost 50 years. He also enjoyed shooting sports, time in the great outdoors, was an avid and excellent horseman, and was very involved helping out at his daughter’s hobby farm. He never stopped inventing, problem-solving, and fixing things. He always had an idea and a helping hand, was generous and forthright, had a wicked sense of humor and gave a firm handshake alongside his bear hug. Bruce was known for his good advice, a door that was always open, and his great and enduring love for his friends, family and loved ones. The day before his passing, Bruce remarked that he had a wonderful life. He will be deeply and forever missed.

Bruce passed away peacefully at his beloved home and surrounded by loved ones after a long battle with his health. He is survived by wife Maureen, son Michael (Theresa) Warman, daughter Heather Aaronson Martin (Jeff), grandsons Cole Warman and Preston Martin, and great-grandson Brandon Martin.

His surviving family also includes siblings Tom (Peg) Warman, Sharon (George) Larson, Steve Warman, and Scott Warman, along with many wonderful nieces, nephews, and their children.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Elizabeth Warman, his in-laws Harry and Ann Fabiano, brother-in-law Hank Fabiano, and son-in-law Arthur Aaronson.

Bruce was blessed with an amazing and extended family of close friends (Robin Aaronson, Ellen Hilmo, Randy Garrison) and his many bonus kids (Amy Wolf, Melissa Braddy, Jen Diehl, Steve Hershman) and bonus grandkids (Alexis and Tim Wolf).

At this time, no public services are planned. Maureen hopes to have a memorial party with family and friends in the future. Please make any donations to the Port Byron Fire Department or the Rapids City Fire Protection District.

Happy trails to you, Bruce…Until we meet again.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.