Obituary of Bruce Updegraff

Bruce Rodney Updegraff, the son of Boyd and Pearl (Scholten) Updegraff was born May 1, 1966 at Sioux Falls, SD. He lived his younger years in Sioux Falls, SD and Worthington, MN. Bruce received his early education at Beadle School and Emerson School both in Sioux Falls, SD. He also attended the Worthington Senior High School in Worthington, MN. Bruce went on to have vocational training from the Mankato Rehabilitation Center in Mankato, MN. In March of 1988, Bruce moved to the Village Northwest Unlimited in Sheldon, IA. While living there he worked at the Northwest Enterprises and also the Wansink Center. He preformed many duties while working at the center including sorting pop cans, packing items, crushing containers, and other odd jobs as they were available. While living at the Village Bruce would entertain with his clarinet or harmonica as music was a big part of his life. He also participated on the softball and basketball teams. Due to health issues, Bruce passed away at the Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, IA on April 16, 2013 at the age of 46. He was a member of the Bethel Reformed Church in Sheldon. Bruce was an avid Minnesota Vikings football fan. He was an active participant in the Monday night bible study at the Village. Bruce’s hobbies and special interests included going to movies, dancing, watching TV and playing table games. In his younger years, Bruce participating in Special Olympics where he earned many medals and ribbons. Bruce was always known as a people person and enjoyed making people smile. He is survived by many cousins and friends. When asked who his friends were Bruce would always say, all the people I live with and especially my special friend Linda Lou McAlpine. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, and all of his Aunts and Uncles. Celebration of Life Bruce R. Updegraff Born ~ May 1, 1966 Died ~ April 16, 2013 Age ~ 46 years 11 months 15 Days Funeral Service 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 19, 2013 Bethel Reformed Church Sheldon, Iowa Officiating ~ Rev. Troy Van Beek Pianist ~ Judy Dykstra Congregational Singing Processional ~ “Amazing Grace” #229 “This Is The Day” #84 Recessional ~ “Awesome God” Pallbearers Loren Gems Jim Scholten Bryce Gems Matt Miller Harvey Bjerke Don Faas Honorary Pallbearers Cameron Jacob Josh Mulso David Morgan Interment Memory Gardens Cemetery Worthington, MN