Bruce Wiebelhaus

Bruce Irvin Wiebelhaus (67) of rural Hartington, Nebraska died unexpectedly on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family (Sts. Peter and Paul) Catholic Church in Bow Valley, Nebraska with the Rev. Dan Wittrock and Deacon Shane Kleinschmit officiating.  Burial will be at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Bow Valley.   Visitation will be on Wednesday, at church, from 5-8:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. and will continue on Thursday one hour prior to service.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington

The Mass will be livestreamed and can be viewed at www.facebook.com/wintzray.

Pallbearers will be his four children: Jamie Hovden, Calvin Wiebelhaus, Laura Wiebelhaus, Philip Wiebelhaus, and two oldest grandsons: Hudson Wiebelhaus, and Tysen Hovden. Honorary pallbearers will be Bruce’s grandchildren: Kolten, Kaylie, Aisley, Ashlyn, Brooks, Jordy, Rawlings, Winslow, and Lenix and his eight siblings.

 Bruce Irvin was born on July 8, 1956, in Yankton, SD to Irvin and Chrysantha (Kollars) Wiebelhaus. He grew up in the Bow Valley area and graduated from Wynot High School in 1974. After high school he purchased farmland and began his life-long calling as a farmer. Bruce also worked for Surge Dairy, and later in construction, before retiring in 2022 from his 20 year position at Hydro in Yankton, SD.  Bruce married Julia Regina Mauch on September 26, 1981, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Crofton, Nebraska. After their marriage, Julia joined him on the farm where together they milked cows; cared for hogs and livestock; grew corn, soybeans, and alfalfa; and raised their family. 

 Bruce had a servant-heart and was a man of incredible faith.  He was an active member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, volunteering for various committees and events. Bruce was a member and past president of the Bow Valley Park Association and enjoyed many seasons of coaching youth baseball in Bow Valley as well.  When he wasn’t busy on the farm or serving others, Bruce enjoyed fishing and hunting for deer and elk.  Bruce was also a tremendous athlete, spending countless summers playing on several baseball and softball teams, while bowling throughout the winter.   Bruce’s competitiveness in sports carried over to his love of playing cards; a good game of sheepshead or euchre would often last into the early morning hours.  In fact, we are confident his favorite card partner, his brother Todd, greeted him in heaven with the cards already dealt.

The light and joy of Bruce’s life became his eleven grandchildren.   The no-nonsense Dad we knew growing up transformed into Papa Bruce and became the motivator of mischief; provider of unlimited treats; instigator of rambunctious wrestling matches; and giver of endless tractor and four-wheeler rides, pinches, tickles, loud whistles, and raspberries on babies' tummies.  Papa Bruce loved spending time with his grandkids on the farm; playing cards, marbles, or catch; and proudly watching their numerous activities.  
 
 Although Bruce was often a man of few words, one of his favorite things to say was “figure it out”.  Whenever Julia or one of his kids would encounter a challenge or problem, these are the first words they would hear.  As Bruce has now left us all here to “figure it out” without him, we are so thankful for those tough life lessons; his examples of hard-work, humility, and perseverance; his quiet confidence in us; and his unending love for us.

 Bruce is survived by his wife Julia of Hartington, and their four children: Jamie (Nick) Hovden of Vermillion, SD; Calvin (Sara) Wiebelhaus of Sioux Falls, SD; Laura Wiebelhaus (Michael) of Beresford, SD; and Philip (Brianna) Wiebelhaus of Vermillion, SD.  He also leaves behind eleven grandchildren: Tysen, Kaylie, Ashlyn and Jordy Hovden; Hudson, Kolten, Aisley, Brooks, and Rawlings Wiebelhaus; Lenix Wiebelhaus; Winslow Wiebelhaus, eight siblings: Judy Schroeder of Middleburg, FL; Ken (Deb) Wiebelhaus of Juneau, WI; Darrel Wiebelhaus of Arion, IA; Shirley (Joe) Heydon of Laurel; Janice (Roman) Heimes of Wynot; Randy (Mary) Wiebelhaus of Hartington; Terry (Wendy) Wiebelhaus of Yankton, SD; Tom (Tracy) Wiebelhaus of Elgin, SC; sister-in-law Jean Wiebelhaus of Hartington, mother-in-law Laverta Mauch of Crofton, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 He was preceded in death by his parents Irvin and Chrysantha Wiebelhaus; two brothers Merlin and Todd; sister-in-law Sue Wiebelhaus; nephew Alex Wiebelhaus; and father-in-law Cyril Mauch.