Bruce Graham

Bruce Graham

Oskaloosa. Bruce Graham, 72, of Oskaloosa died Thursday, March 12, 2026, at his home in Oskaloosa. He was born October 5, 1953, in Oskaloosa, the son of Harold L. and Susan Lamb Graham. He graduated from Oskaloosa High School with the class of 1971. Following high school he went to work building pole barns. First for Bloom Builders in Oskaloosa, then Hawkeye Lumber, and Oskaloosa Builders. After several years of construction, Bruce took a job driving a semi for Binns and Stevens. On August 22, 1981, he was united in marriage to Ana Ruth Padilla. To this union a son Russell was born. He later went out on his own and purchased his own semi and hauled for various companies over the years. He retired from trucking due to ill health in 2024. Bruce had a lifelong passion for cars, especially fast cars. His 1970 and a half Z28 with the original "Breer" license plate had every street racer in Southern Iowa in its rear-view mirror at some point. Bruce continued to enjoy following drag racing even after street racing became a thing of the past. He was a Dale Earnhart era Nascar fan, but the sport was never the same to him after Dale died. He was a member of the Skunk River Rods, the V.F.W. and the Oskaloosa American Legion. He enjoyed visiting, expressing his opinions, and laughing with his friends at breakfast, the V.F.W., and the Legion. He enjoyed working on vehicles in his garage, hanging out with family and friends in the shop, and of course no shop is complete without a well-trained dog hanging around (which he always had), and going to car shows. He was good with any team beating the Iowa Hawkeyes and definitely believed it was time for Kirk Ferentz to move on. In his younger years he enjoyed deer hunting with his family, he never let his brother John forget who has the biggest buck record, in case John forgets he could see it in Bruce's living room. Most of all he looked forward to spending time with family and friends and especially enjoyed his time with his grandson Archer, who likely had his first sip of Budweiser with his grandpa.

His family includes his wife of over 44 years, Ana Graham of Oskaloosa; his son, Russell (Hilary) Graham of Oskaloosa; his grandson, Archer Graham of Oskaloosa; his mother, Susan Lamb-Graham of Oskaloosa; his brother, John (Nancy) Graham of Oskaloosa; his niece, Maggie (Ben) Herbst and great niece, Maysel Herbst; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father.

As was Bruce's wish his body has been cremated. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to Imagine the Possibilities.