Bruce Edsten

Bruce Edward Edsten, 83, of Taylorsville, Kentucky, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025.

He was born on March 24, 1942 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to the late Berton and Lila (Thompson) Edsten. He is preceded in death by his brother, Jeffrey Edsten.

Bruce discovered a passion for aviation at an early age. Mastering the art of flying straight, he obtained a pilot’s license by age 20. Wings became a huckleberry friend, chasing rainbow’s end. Bruce danced the skies in silver wings for decades, through sun-split clouds to experience hundreds of things he may only have dreamed of. From flying Huey’s in Vietnam, to island hopping the Caribbean in a de Havilland for Puerto Rico based Prinair. His gift of gab grounded him, quite literally, as Bruce proved an adept instructor and trainer of Prinair’s fleet of aviators.

San Juan was a special place for Bruce, as he started a family with his wife of 43 years, Helen Moak. His daughter, Lauren, quickly became the family’s Spanish language translator at age four. Nearly 25 years later, Bruce and Helen would return to Puerto Rico’s historic Spanish fortress of San Cristobal for Lauren’s wedding ceremony. Beneath a fiery autumn sky and between the colorful streets of Old San Juan, something old and something new intertwined.

Bruce was well regarded for his exhaustive knowledge of aviation safety, leading to a distinguished career with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Safety Program Manager. His passion for flight drifted into leisure time, too, as Bruce’s hobbies included flying and tinkering with airplanes in his backyard hangar at Willow Island Airpark (elevation 700 feet!). He was an enthusiastic member of the Experimental Aviation Association (EAA). Summer trips to Oshkosh, camper and family in tow, for EAA’s annual air show became a summer ritual and opportunity to gather with fellow aviation zealots.

Woodworking became a second hobby and an opportunity to creatively share his love of flight with a new generation. Bruce lovingly transformed scraps of kindling into classically beautiful toys and cutting boards built to last generations. Bruce and Helen would become regulars at local craft shows, their business Penny Creek Woodworking a highlight among many talented artists.

Having enjoyed the company of many an Australian Shepherd, Bruce lived by the mantra, “dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” Encounters with cool noses, pats on the head and propeller tails were as consistent as Old Faithful in the Edsten household.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Helen (Moak) Edsten, daughter, Lauren (Dennis) Peyton and brother, Paul (Krista) Edsten. He is also survived by his nephews, Kyle, Erik, Mike and Eddie and also his beloved pets, Bandit, Rusty, Libby and Penny.

Per Bruce's wishes cremation was chosen and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Join us in celebrating Bruce’s life as he climbs up, up and away, soaring through sunlit skies and away from the surly bonds of Earth. To share a memory of Bruce or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.