Bruce W. Geerdes

Bruce Geerdes, 77, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 2nd from 1-3pm at the Nevada Senior Community Center located at 1231 6th St, Nevada, IA. Burial will follow at 5 p.m. in the Steamboat Rock Cemetery with military honors presented by the United States Air Force.
Bruce Warren Geerdes was born May 3, 1947, in Sibley, IA to George and Frances (Berg) Geerdes. He spent his childhood on their family farms in George, IA Wellsburg, IA. At the age of 12, he moved to Alington, CA where he excelled in baseball and developed his love for the sport. He resided there just a few years and then a year in Carson City, NV before moving back to the Midwest. Bruce spent his remaining teenage years in Boone, IA where he participated in football, basketball, track and baseball. Upon graduating from Boone High School, he went to Central College on a football scholarship. He enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly after, earning the rank of Sergeant and proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged after four years of service. While in the Air Force and serving in Thailand, Bruce met and married Bonlia Todee. Returning to Iowa, the couple welcomed a son, Terry Geerdes, into their lives.
Bruce was a member of the 7th Day Adventist Church and made a career as an electrician for many years until he started his own business. Bruce was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was also a very talented woodworker. Bruce often reflected on his younger years when he excelled in athletics, playing baseball and football and also ran track. He still had a love for sports and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. Most of all, Bruce treasured time spent, and memories made with Bonlia, Terry, and his family.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Bonlia; son, Terry (Darcy) Geerdes; grandchildren, Lynze Geerdes, Leah Geerdes, Campbell Valline, and Will Valline; and sisters, Barb Beggs, and Beth Milligan. Two nephews John (Stephanie) Beggs; son Louis Lyon, Matthew (Erin) Milligan; children Vivienne and Tristan. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Frances Geerdes.
Condolences and memories of Bruce may be shared with his family on the tributes section of his page.
Bruce's family requests that any flower order be delivered the Nevada Senior Community Center at 12 p.m. on Sunday, June 2, 2024.