Bruce Morgan Kivela

Born on March 19th, 1946, in Marquette, MI, a son of John & Dorothy (Beckman) Kivela. Bruce was raised in Marquette and graduated from Graveraet High School, class of 1964. On November 25th, 1972, Bruce was united in marriage to Sandy Zorza. Bruce & Sandy started their own business, Marquette Automotive, in 1982. He was the first ever distributor for BOSS snowplows.

BK had a passion for classic cars and restoring countless cars over the years for himself and his friends. He loved hunting at Deer Camp, fishing at Stannard Rock & Isle Royale. He was an enthusiast with boating, Harleys, snowmobiling & driving the snowmobile groomer. He loved spending time with his friends, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was always helping everyone with their projects, ie. service calls and it was a joke that he did everyone else’s projects before his own. He was proud to be the founder of the Tuesday Night Dump Night, in Big Bay, uniting many people of the community and often hosting in his barn, DA CAVE. He was a business partner with Jim Dunn, Teddy Thill & Wally Steinhoff for Bay Marine Inc. He was often referred to as a genius, as he could fix anything mechanical, build anything structural, along with plumbing and electrical. He had a love for gardening and always had a fantastic garden full of vegetables and spices. He was a fantastic wine maker and often taught others how to make wine for themselves. Lately, he was into making Chaga and had his own BK Chaga.

He held multiple offices including president at the Marquette Fishdock, The Marquette Harbor Advisory Board and The Hiawathaland Snowmobile Club. He was also members of the Elks & Coastguard Auxillary Board. He spent countless hours at Thunder Valley Raceway donating his time and racing.

BK is survived by his wife, Sandy Kivela of 48 years, his sons; Rob Kivela, Kevin Kivela, three daughters; Wendy (Bill) Bollenberg, Kris (Gale) Kivela, Pam (Glenn) Caron, daughter- in-law; Sandy Kivela (John), his grandchildren; Kaylee (The Bwatt) Bollenberg, Chelsey Markle, Macey Grund, Shelby Kivela & Andrew Kivela, brother; David (Libby) Kivela and several great grandchildren.

BK was preceded in death by his father; John Kivela, mother; Dorothy Kivela, brother; Tom Kivela, son; John Kivela, & granddaughter; Ashley Kivela.

Honoring his request, there will not be any funeral services. He wanted ONE BIG A$$ PARTY, if anything were to happen. A future celebration of life will be communicated in the future.

In lieu of flowers, any memorials or contributions are requested to be made directly to Bay Cliff Health Camp in his name.

The family would also like to express their appreciation to Dr. Al-Halou of the University of Michigan in the Neuro-Science Surgical Department and his entire team for their unwavering support and compassion for BK.