Bruce Nelson Kline

Bruce Nelson Kline of Peoria, AZ formerly of State College, PA passed away peacefully at home on Friday July 5, 2024 after a two-year battle with cancer.

Born on March 12, 1951 in Robesonia, PA, he was the youngest son of the late John H. Kline and Grace E. (Renninger) Kline. He is survived by his wife Sandra (Sandy) J. Harpster, brother Wayne R. Kline (Susan), sister Stephanie Snyder (Tim), nieces Kirsten Snyder and Brita Jenquin and their families. He is also survived by Sandy’s sister Linda Yetter (Robert) and their children Jason, Jeremy, Janna Chirdon, and Kyle and their families.

Bruce was a 1969 graduate of Conrad Weiser High School. He attended Penn State University and received a B.S. in Business Management in 1973. In 1978 he received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. While in college Bruce worked as a Student Auxiliary Security Officer which led to full time employment as a police officer with University Police. He held various positions within the department, retiring as Assistant Director in March 2007. During this time, he founded and then served as Chapter Chairman of the Mid-State Chapter of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS). After his retirement from Penn State, he spent 9 years as a Police Research Analyst with the Glendale, AZ Police Department. He also founded and co-owned LEAP21, a law enforcement consulting agency. With his partner they completed a number of projects across the United States.

While living in State College Bruce played recreational softball and volleyball and volunteered with the Physical Arrangements Committee for the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. Bruce also served as a soccer official with PIAA and NISOA, refereeing games throughout Central Pennsylvania. 

Bruce and Sandy enjoyed traveling and were fortunate to visit many places in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. As an avid photographer, Bruce took these opportunities to add to his extensive collection of photographs. He was an avid reader of science fiction, crime, politics and American history. Throughout his life he continued to follow his beloved Nittany Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers.

 A celebration of life will be held in the fall with friends in Arizona. A private family gathering will take place next spring.

Per Bruce’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made as follows:

As a lasting memory to Bruce, a tree is being planted at the Arboretum at Penn State, a place he loved to wander about and photograph. Contributions to the Arboretum will be used toward this purchase.

The Arboretum at Penn State 
https://raise.psu.edu/PennStateArboretum
If you prefer, your gift may be mailed to:

 Patrick Williams,
Director of Development
The Arboretum at Penn State
126J Palmer Museum
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802

 If you need any assistance, please contact Patrick Williams at 814-865-0441

In gratitude for the compassionate care that Bruce received throughout his treatment, contributions can be made to HonorHealth Foundation and directed to HonorHealth’s Cancer Transplant Program. 
You may contribute directly on line at: honorhealthfoundation.org/donate.
Please select “Other” in the designation section to enter the designation of “Cancer Transplant Program.”
If you prefer, your gift may be mailed to:

HonorHealth Foundation,
Attn: Sarah Evans
8125 N Hayden Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85258, 

 If you need any assistance, please contact Sarah Evans at 480-587-5038.