HARTINGTON — Bruce Irvin Wiebelhaus, 67, rural Hartington, died unexpectedly Feb. 23, 2024, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, S.D.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Feb. 29, at 10:30 a.m., at Holy Family (Sts. Peter and Paul) Catholic Church, Bow Valley, with the Rev. Dan Wittrock and Deacon Shane Kleinschmit officiating.

Burial will be at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Bow Valley.

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.

Visitation will be Wednesday, at church, from 5-8 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 7 p.m., and will continue Thursday, one hour prior to service.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington.

Bruce Irvin was born July 8, 1956, in Yankton, to Irvin and Chrysantha (Kollars) Wiebelhaus. He grew up in the Bow Valley area, graduating 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. Bruce married Julia Regina Mauch, Sept. 26, 1981, at St. Rose Catholic Church, Crofton. 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 11 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.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Julia, Hartington; and their four children, Jamie (Nick) Hovden, Vermillion, S.D.; Calvin (Sara) Wiebelhaus, Sioux Falls, S.D.; Laura Wiebelhaus (Michael), Beresford, S.D.; and Philip (Brianna) Wiebelhaus, Vermillion, S.D.. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren: Tysen, Kaylie, Ashlyn and Jordy Hovden; Hudson, Kolten, Aisley, Brooks and Rawlings Wiebelhaus; Lenix Wiebelhaus; and Winslow Wiebelhaus; eight siblings, Judy Schroeder, Middleburg, Fla.; Ken (Deb) Wiebelhaus, Juneau, Wis.; Darrel Wiebelhaus, Arion, Iowa; Shirley (Joe) Heydon, Laurel; Janice (Roman) Heimes, Wynot; Randy (Mary) Wiebelhaus, Hartington; Terry (Wendy) Wiebelhaus, Yankton, S.D.; Tom (Tracy) Wiebelhaus, Elgin, S.C.; sister-in-law, Jean Wiebelhaus, Hartington; mother-in-law, Laverta Mauch, 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.