"To the Bruce family, We are truly sorry to hear of Alan's passing. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Praying you find peace and comfort in your memories of Alan and through God. Alan was always a very kind and friendly person to all. Scott and Mary Sayers"
In loving memory of
Alan Edwin Bruce
December 27, 1948 - December 27, 2017
Alan Bruce, 69, of Malvern, IA passed away at his home on December 27, 2017.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Hastings, Iowa. Burial will be in the East Liberty Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Loess Hills Funeral Home of Malvern in charge of arrangements.
Memorials: Family will direct the memorials.
Alan Edwin Bruce, the eldest of two sons of M. J. and Elsie Emma (Pontow) Bruce, was born on December 27, 1948 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm north of Malvern, Iowa and was baptized, confirmed and a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Hastings, Iowa. Alan attended school at Chantry Elementary and was a graduate from the Malvern High School in 1967. He took a few accounting courses in Omaha, Nebraska and farmed with his brother until his retirement. Alan served six years in the Army National Guard and could be counted on to help out the Harry Hammons Legion Post for Memorial Day services.
Alan and Judy Ann Jopp were united in marriage on September 28, 1974 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. They were blessed with two sons, Joseph Alan and Jesse Lee.
Alan enjoyed drag racing when he was younger. Family vacations to the Black Hills, Valentine, NE, St. Louis and other areas were fun and eventful. He especially loved "slow driving" or going around checking out other farmers' fields. Alan faithfully listened to KMA, as all good farmers do, and was a great story teller. He loved to grill and was a great cook. Alan took pride in keeping his yard mowed and trimmed. He enjoyed gardening and raising sweet corn, which he always gave away to family and friends. Alan was a great son, dad, brother, uncle, cousin, and a good friend to all who knew him.
Alan and Judy were married 38 years when Judy passed away on June 5, 2013 from pulmonary fibrosis.
Alan passed away at his rural Malvern home on December 27, 2017 at the age of 69 years. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law Larry Jopp; and nephews, Ryan Jopp and David "Digger" Jopp.
Alan is survived by his sons, Joe Bruce of Glenwood, IA and Jesse Bruce and wife Dana of Malvern; brother Elmer Bruce and wife Phyllis of Malvern; brothers-in-law, David Jopp and wife Brigid of Papillion, NE and Ivan Jopp and wife Gretchen of Malvern; sister-in-law Ann Chickering of Malvern; nephews and nieces, Robert Jopp, Justin, Andrew and Eilis Jopp, and Brooklyn and Kinley Chickering; many extended relatives; and a host of friends.
Tributes
"Leaving a note of remembrance from friends back in the Chantry School days. Our parents were friends when we were small children and sadly have not kept in touch over the years, but the memories remain with photos and messages from the Bruce parents in our baby albums. Elmer was actually in our class. Our thoughts go out to the family. May the words of our prayers help to bring you comfort as we have thought of you over the recent days. Ann Benedict Athy, Fran Benedict Olson, and Phillip Shenefield"
"Elmer and family,I am so sorry to hear about Alan. He always had time to visit and was interested and concerned about others. I have a lot of good memories of him.Kevin Stewart"
"Alan was one of the greats. I was lucky enough to get to know him from work. One of the most kind people I have ever known. He truly was one of a kind. RIP Alan."
"Richard and I both have fond memories of working with Alan. Rest in peace."
"My condolences to family and friends. Alan rode our school bus and Elmer was one of my classmates. He was a wonderful many even back then. Cindy Messenger Murphy"
"I am so extremely sorry to hear about this. I haven't seen Alan for years but loved both Alan and Judy. They were wonderful people. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. "
"I am so extremely sorry to hear about this. I haven't seen Alan for years but loved both Alan and Judy. They were wonderful people. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. "
"My deepest sympathy to Alan's family. My husband Toby and Alan were in National Guards together and Toby and Joe were in the hospital at the same time. He and Judy both were very kind and compassionate people. So sorry for your family's loss."
"Alan was one of a kind guy! I will always remember his kindness and the talks we had to make the time at work fly by. Rest easy Alan. "
"to Alan's Family I am so sorry for your loss. My memories of Alan go back a long way as we were neighbors and our Moms were the best of friends. I clearly remember when I was home for my Dad's funeral that Alan and Elmer stopped at the house to visit and they were both so kind to my folks and good neighbors. When I would come home I would always honk when I went by their house just to let them know I was in the neighborhood. May God comfort you during this sad time and give you his strength and love in the days ahead. May your tears turn to smiles as you remember your Dad and your brother and bring you comfort. Linda Fletcher Greaves"
"Elmer & families, Jessie & family,
We send you our deepest condolences for your loss. May you find comfort in he has finally found peace. Prayers for your families.
Dale & Diane"
"Dear Elmer and Family,
We are sorry for your loss. Thinking and praying for you.
Ron and Deb"