Bruce Lee Siebers

After courageously battling health complications, Bruce Lee Siebers, age 69, passed away on April 29. He was born to William Henry and Loretta Siebers on November 1, 1956 in Appleton, Wisconsin.

As a youth Bruce engaged in sports of all kinds. Taking special interests in football, basketball and baseball. He lettered in cross country and wrestling his senior year at Appleton West High School.

Bruce received his Bachelors of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, a Master of Arts History from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Masters in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Following the completion of his Masters in Madison, Bruce briefly worked as an archivist/reference librarian at Eastern Illinois University before moving on to Grand Rapids Michigan. While in Grand Rapids, Bruce worked as an Archives Processor at the Grand Rapids Public Library and Museum. In 1988, Bruce moved to Philadelphia where he began his 35 years with the Free Library of Philadelphia until eventually retiring in 2023.

Bruce was a humble man who never sought recognition for the good he did. Promotions and accolades were never what mattered most to him, people did. He had a remarkable ability to see the value and potential in every person he encountered. Bruce was passionate about his work at the Free Library of Philadelphia, and the positive impact the library had in the community, especially the youth programs. He encouraged youth to believe in themselves and pursue their passions, whether through education, joining the workforce, or serving in the military. He understood the profound impact that support and encouragement can have on the course of a person’s life, and he made it his mission to be that source of support for others and influenced hundreds of lives.

Bruce lived out his faith by serving others. He lived life believing that we are here to serve each other, whether it is merely by a smile or simple act of kindness. He never gave up believing, never gave up fighting, never gave up giving. Bruce’s kind and gentle spirit was a source of comfort and inspiration to everyone who knew him. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the many people who are better because of his care and belief in them.

Bruce is survived by his older brother William Siebers, nephews Tyson Siebers, Tony (Jennifer) Siebers, Tyler (Klaudia) Siebers and nieces Tracey (Richie) Saari and Tiffany (Jared) Schmidt, great nieces and nephews and many dear friends. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, aunts and uncles.

The family would like to thank all those that helped care for and look out for Bruce through the years in Philadelphia. Thank you for loving him like he was family. We especially want to thank his amazing neighbors, friends, co-workers, and the special people at Mitchell & Ness, Little Pete’s and The Dutch Eating Place. You were his east coast family and he loved you all very much. Thank you to the staff at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital for caring for Bruce during his last days.

A memorial service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 601 E. Glendale Ave., Appleton, WI, on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. A visitation will precede this service from 9-10:15 a.m. A celebration of life will be held at the Parkway Central Library, Montgomery Auditorium, 1901 Vine St. Philadelphia, PA on June 10, 2026. Visitation will be from 5-6pm followed by a time for reflection and stories until 7PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 “ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Well done Bruce, good and faithful servant.