Martin Bruce Heerema was born August 26, 1940 to Martin John and Elva May Heerema in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He passed away unexpectedly on March 3, 2017 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.

Bruce graduated from Pella Community High School in 1958 where he was active in Football, Track and Baseball. He earned his degree from Central College where he earned All-American status in Football and majored in business and economics. He completed his graduate studies at the University of Iowa.

Bruce was united in marriage to his best friend and life partner, Sandra Ann Klein on June 16, 1960. To this union they were blessed with three children, Julie Ann, Martin Timothy and Steven Robert.

Upon completing his education, Bruce received a free agent contract with the Chicago Bears and played for two seasons with their farm team in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was then invited to rejoin the Bears but decided instead to return to Pella and pursue an opportunity in business. Bruce became an owner of Boat Furniture, eventually becoming the principal owner, which he continued for 20 years until he left to start Heritage Imports. He served as Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Heritage, along with his partner and life-long friend Mark DeCook until their retirement.

Bruce served for years on the Tulip Festival steering committee along with Dave Sutphen and Al DeWild. He also served as a Director of Technoserve, Inc., Pella Golf and Country Club, Marion County Bank, Pella Financial Group, of which he was the Vice-President and was a Trustee for Central College, receiving Emeritus Status. He was also a member of several local civic, church and charitable boards, often serving as an officer or director. He was active in a variety of area business groups and organizations and had interest in real estate, farm operations, retail and light manufacturing.

Bruce has several passions in life, including his family, football, travel, faith and charitable endeavors. He adored his grandchildren - and especially loved attending athletic contests in which they participated. He was an avid Chicago Bears, Central College, Pella High School and Iowa State football fan and was fortunate enough to turn his love for football into a dream come true when he became an owner of the Iowa Barnstormers. He loved to travel the world and often brought his family along for the ride. His passion for giving led him to head many fund-raising campaigns and he personally and generously donated his time and resources to many organizations and individuals, too numerous to name. He loved the Community of Pella and felt an obligation to give back to it at every opportunity. His faith was a strong and often silent part of his life, but his generosity and peaceful demeanor evidenced his love of Christ.

Though "retired", Bruce loved spending time at his cabin in the country, fishing, watching football and Fox News. He also loved telling jokes and stories while spending time with his many friends - some of which go back to his grade school days. His mind continued to actively plan and strategize and he continued to mentor and consult with many friends and colleagues until the final days of his blessed life.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Sandy, and their children and families:

Julie Ann and Jim Mueller, Pella
Madeline Katherine, Lindsey Ann and Rachel Sandra

Martin Timothy and Kelly Heerema, Pella
Martin Brady and Gabrielle Marie

Steven Robert and Victoria Heerema, Pella
Alexis Victoria and Matt Pratt
Logan Bruce and Jacob Robert

Bruce is also survived by his brother Douglas and Nyla Heerema and sister Jane Temple and Alan Epstein.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his parents-in-law Robert and Doretha Klein.

Visitation

4:00-7:00 P.M., Tuesday, March 7, 2017
with family present
Third Reformed Church
Pella, Iowa

Funeral Service

2:00 P.M., Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Third Reformed Church
Pella, Iowa

In Lieu Of Flowers, Memorials May Be Given To

The Way Church – Building Fund in Newton, Iowa
Heerema Scholarship Fund at Central College

Family

Wife: Sandy Heerema, Pella
Children: Julie and Jim Mueller, Pella
Martin Timothy and Kelly Heerema, Pella
Steven and Vickie Heerema, Pella