David "Butch" Bruce, 75
David “Butch” Bruce, 75, Hastings, passed away Feb. 2, 2026, surrounded by his family that loved him dearly. Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at the Loess Hills Funeral Home in Glenwood. Burial with military honors was in the Emerson Cemetery. Memorials are directed to Indian Creek Historical Society Museum. Loess Hills Funeral Home in Glenwood is caring for Butch and his family.
Butch was born on April 2, 1950, in Council Bluffs to Keith and Mary (Boyce) Bruce. He graduated from Nishna Valley High School in 1968. From August 1969 through May 1975, he proudly served in the Army National Guard, forming many lifelong friendships with fellow servicemen from Southwest Iowa. We have shared many laughs from all the stories from his time in the guard.
A lifelong farmer, Butch worked side by side with his dad feeding cattle near Hastings. His love for the land never faded and remained a guiding force in his life until the very end. Whether he was planting trees, tending to his garden or growing his famous tomatoes, he found joy and purpose in caring for the earth. His tireless work ethic and deep devotion to the land created a legacy of commitment that will inspire his family and community for generations.
He was married to the love of his life Peggy (Williams) Bruce. Together they built a life centered on family and hard work. They raised two daughters, Nikki (Bruce) Pittman of Kansas City and Jennifer (Bruce) Hughes of Glenwood.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Mary Bruce.
He is survived by his devoted wife Peg; his daughters and sons-in-law, Mark and Nikki Pittman, their kids, Emma Ferron, Genevieve and Giovanni Luna, and Isabella Pittman; his first great-granddaughter, Francesca Luna; Mark and Jenny Hughes; their kids, Grant Hughes, AJ Hughes, Nathan Hughes, and Megan Hughes.
Butch is further survived by his sister, Kay Glynn and her husband Mike Glynn; their kids, John and Kelsey Glynn, Sarah and Travis Fonseca, and Travis Glynn; his uncle, Kenny Bruce and wife Phyllis; a dear friend and coworker, Randy Knop; as well as many friends and neighbors that had a special place in his heart.
He loved cheering on his grandkids at their many sporting events. He and Peg would show up with proud smiles and ready to chat it up with all those around them. Butch will be remembered for his kind heart, steady presence, deep love of family, and a laugh that could light up any room.
A dear friend called him a true American farmer, and this truly describes him best. His legacy lives on in the fields he tended, the trees he planted, and the family he loved.