Bruce Allan Willemsen was born June 28, 1970, to Elmer and Donna (Van Zante) Willemsen, in Knoxville, Iowa. He died of heart complications on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines.

Bruce attended Otley School and was a 1988 graduate of Pella High School. He was a member of County Line 4-H and served on the Marion County Extension Council. Bruce has been the owner of Big Timber Barn Company for 30 years.

Bruce was a great leader, teacher, bright spot on the darkest days, and a shoulder to lean on, or cry on. He was a beloved brother, uncle, son and father. Bruce was passionate about running his own business, collecting taxidermy, and all that he did.  He may have been rough around the edges, but he could always lighten the mood with his smile. There are a million words and stories about Bruce, but to summarize, he was one of the kindest, caring, and loving guys in the whole world!

Bruce is survived by his sons Jack Willemsen and Brody Willemsen, mother Donna Rooda, and siblings: Teresa (Harvey) Beyer of Otley, Iowa, Gary (Laura) Willemsen of Pella, Iowa, Annie Vander Werff of Jesup, Iowa, and Caroline (Chris) Gehrls of Hiawatha, Iowa.

Bruce was preceded in death by his father Elmer Willemsen, paternal grandparents Neal and Gertrude Willemsen, and maternal grandparents Gerald and Mae Van Zante.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Marion County 4-H.

Marion County 4-H