Bruce Van Druff, 93

Bruce Van Druff, 93, Red Oak, died Friday, Oct. 18, 2013.

Bruce was born Dec. 13, 1919, in Council Bluffs. He was the middle child of Leonard and Ethel Van Druff. After graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School he went on to Iowa State University and was a member Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a degree in Engineering.  

After graduation, he was employed by Boeing Aircraft in Seattle where he personally designed the stabilizer for the tail of the B-17 bomber during World War II. He considered this to be one of his greatest accomplishments.  

Additionally, in his lifetime, he was President of the Iowa Manufacturer’s Association, Vice President of the Red Oak Boy Scouts, Board Member of the Iowa Department of Transportation, Commissioner of the Iowa Aeronautical Assoc. and Trustee of the Hoover Library Assoc.

His life’s work was at the Thos. D. Murphy Company where he was President from 1968 to 1987. He cherished the many friendships he made during his years at the Murphy Company. Bruce was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and a trusted friend of many people in Red Oak and Scottsdale, Ariz.

Bruce was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary Jo.

Survivors include his three children, Anne Halvin of Okoboji, Cindy Krausgrill of Clayton, Calif. and Peter Van Druff of San Juan Capistrano, Calif.; grandchildren, Matt Crandall, Alex Brockelsby, Kim Himmelberg, Anne Clyncke and Patrick Krausgrill; great-grandchildren, Anna Himmelberg, Lucy Himmelberg, Sam Clyncke, Tess Clyncke, Meadow Brockelsby and Hayley Rushing.

Memorial services will be held in Red Oak in the spring.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Montgomery County Historical Society, 2700 North 4th St., Red Oak, Iowa, 51566 or Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp.