Bruce Joseph Hastell, age 68, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on October 24, 2022 after a long and hard-fought battle with complications from kidney failure due to polycystic kidney disease.

Bruce was born on August 3, 1954 in Dayton, Ohio, to Harold Justin Hastell and Roselyn May Hastell. He is survived by his life partner of 22 years, Diane L. Thalmann of La Porte, Indiana; son Justin (Tracy) Hastell of Dallas, Texas; sister Cyndi (Don) Shaw of Xenia, Ohio; brother David Hastell of Waynesville, Ohio; sister Diane Hastell of Wilmington, NC; and Richard W. and Shannon Thalmann of Westville, Indiana; nephews Eli Hastell, Mark (Rachelle) Thalmann, Jonathan Thalmann, Daniel Thalmann, and Andrew Kinney; nieces Anna (Cody) Brausch, Teresa Valdez, Renee (Dennis) Garwood, and Bronwyn Kinney; great-nieces and nephews Stefanie Williams, Wyatt, Chad and Nathan Ackerman, Jaydyn Valdez, Colton, Wesson and Owen Brausch, Calvin Joseph (CJ) Thalmann and Archie Thalmann; and his many beloved four-legged furry family members.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his niece Corissa Shaw, and his devoted dogs Keisha and Roxy.

Bruce was a talented musician and a recognized worldwide authority on vintage guitars, parts and cases. He performed and recorded with members of the Beatles, Wings, Badfinger, Heart, Allman Brothers, Molly Hatchet, Commadores and many others.   Bruce is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a former member of the funk group, Sun. He also had a three-year contract playing Renaissance lute at the Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas.  He started several vintage guitar companies, selling high-end vintage guitars throughout the world.  He was personal manager for Joey Molland & Badfinger and produced several recordings and video documentaries with various artists under his own production company.  Bruce toured in the U.S. with Denny Laine of Moody Blues and Wings, as well as with Danny Toler of the Allman Brothers.  He enjoyed playing guest appearances with numerous Midwest acts until his health caused him to retire in 2015.

Bruce will always be remembered for his gentleness, kindness and warrior strength.  His laugh was infectious, and he shared many good times with his vast circle of friends locally and around the world.  He always looked forward to his semi-annual trips to L.A. to meet up with his “rock star” buddies, all the concerts he attended worldwide, and the endless guitar shows he traveled to across the country.  Most important to him was his family, sharing his stories and knowledge with the younger generation.  He loved animals and would go out of his way to help any critter that crossed his path.  Bruce and Diane were able to make many wonderful memories traveling, scuba diving and skiing over their years together.  But even with all his travels, his most favorite place was being outdoors in the woods and at one with nature.

The family would like to thank Dr. John Brady, Star Norem and the staff at Duneland Dialysis for their attentive care over the past several years; and the third-floor staff at Northwest Health – La Porte and VNA Hospice for helping Bruce transition in his final days.

Friends are invited to visit with Bruce’s family on Thursday, October 27, 2022 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Geisen-Carlisle Funeral Home, 613 Washington St., Michigan City, IN. Additional visitation will take place on Friday, October 28 from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am at the funeral home.  Entombment will follow at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, Michigan City, IN.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to be given to an animal organization of their choice, VNA Hospice, 501 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383, or an animal rescue or nature organization of your choice.