BOWLING LEGEND, USBC HALL OF FAMER BRUCE PLUCKHAN DIES AT 84

ARLINGTON, Texas - Bowling lost another giant Nov. 18 with the passing
of Bruce Pluckhahn.

John Bruce Pluckhahn, 84, died after a long stay at the Catholic Home
in Milwaukee. He had been in a coma since Nov. 14.

The Wauwatosa, Wis., native was a giant in the public relations field
of bowling and was honored for his efforts with election to the ABC Hall
in 1989 for his work with the American Bowling Congress and as the first
curator of the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame.

Pluckhahn joined the ABC public relations staff in 1953 after working
in the newspaper field at Wausau (Wis.) and Dayton (Ohio). The
University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate became ABC Public Relations
director in 1957 following the death of Eli Whitney, who hired him.

He served as executive director of the ABC Hall of Fame board from
1957-76 when he stepped out of the ABC position to become museum
curator. He moved to St. Louis to help create the bowling museum. He
traveled the world seeking bowling memorabilia, and much of what appears
in the shrine was collected by his doggedness to convince people that
their treasures should be put on display.

"He was not only the best PR person I knew, but he was the nicest,"
said his long-time friend, successor at ABC and fellow USBC Hall of
Famer Steve James. "Bruce hired me, taught me a lot about bowling, the
ABC and how to deal with the variety of personalities that make up the
bowling family. And he was a great writer and creative thinker. When he
went into the nursing home, the sport lost a great contributor. Today
really is a sad day."

Pluckhahn worked for Frank Baker during ABC’s golden years and was
given free reign to help expand the sport’s attraction to the public.
He was a strong supporter of the Professional Bowlers Association during
its creation in 1959 and was close friends with many of the game’s
greats including Dick Weber and Don Carter.

Pluckhahn is survived by his wife Rosemary, daughter Susan and sons
John, Bill, Bob and Charlie. Memorial arrangements are pending.