David Charles Bruce

David Charles Bruce

Marion

David Charles Bruce, 61, did a roundhouse kick to the face of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at his home in Marion, IA. The family will greet friends from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at Guardian Institute of Martial Arts (formerly Bruce Taekwondo Academy). A Celebration of his life will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at American Legion Post 298 in Marion with Military Honors.

Dave was born on November 6, 1962, in Cedar Rapids, IA, the son of Charles and Marilyn (Rogers) Bruce. He was a graduate of Linn-Mar High School and Kirkwood Community College. He was a proud Veteran who served in the U.S. Army as a Combat Medic and worked his entire career in the medical field as a Paramedic, having served as District Chief with Area Ambulance Service as well as other positions in the metro area.

President of Bruce Taekwondo Academy, Grand Master David Bruce was a 7th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, having taught thousands of students over his 40+ year career in martial arts. He instilled in them the tenets of taekwondo to include: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit and displayed them as a true “Warrior” in his ALS journey.

Family was the most important thing to Dave. He was a professional drummer, endorsed by Gio Cymbals, and enjoyed sharing this passion with his son, Alex. He was also a founding member of Iowa Ghost Squad, a local paranormal group that he started and shared with his daughter, Andrea. He was so proud to have these individual connections with each of them.

Dave met his wife, Valerie (Krejca), when her daughter, Delaney, joined his taekwondo class. Val eventually became one of his students too and the love of his life. Dave & Val were married October 12, 2012, and made the most of their years together hiking in Arizona, beach time in Destin, beautiful sunsets in Cabo, cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, kayaking at Lake Macbride and hanging out on the deck with their furry family members, Winslow, Theo & Nyla. Dave was baptized in their home pool on July 23, 2023, and loved to tell his story of how he accepted Jesus Christ. (Ask Val about it sometime!)

Most of Dave’s life was spent being a teacher, even during his 2 ½ year illness; he continued to guide students in both taekwondo & life, taught others how to defend themselves, answered medical questions, discussed all things drumming, and shared that there is a Savior who loves you.

Those left to cherish his memories include his best friend & brother, Don (Mollie) Bruce, children, Alex (Lauren) Bruce and Andrea (Mohamed) Bruce-Ahmed, and their mother, Kimberly Carter.

Val is so thankful for the life they shared and the love he also had for her children, Kayleigh (Joe) Machaj, Harrison Akiens, and Delaney (Nick) Niehus. Dave is also survived by his father, Charles Bruce, his in-laws Bill & Jeanne Krejca, and his grandchildren that felt he was larger than life, Cade, Allison, Gavin, Maya, Layla, Amir, Alena, and Baby Niehus on the way. In addition, sisters-in-law Shelly (Jonathan) Goergen, Wendi (Andy) Neal and brother-in-law Nate (Laura) Krejca, as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn.

The family would like to thank the Iowa City VA Medical Center, Village Caregiving, and Hospice of Mercy for the excellent care they provided to Dave while allowing him to remain at home. Especially Juan Mendez (Physician Assistant), Christa Holtz (hospice nurse), Jackie Murray (massage therapist), Leslie Allen (CNA), Don Bruce, Wendi Neal, and family & friends. We are forever grateful for your love and compassion. To all that contributed or delivered meals via our Meal Train, we can’t thank you enough for feeding not only our bellies, but also our souls.

In lieu of flowers we ask that memorial contributions be directed to the family for future distribution to organizations Dave was passionate about.

We ask that you keep all those suffering from ALS and their Caregivers in your prayers and that one day soon a cure is found for this devastating disease.

“7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Please share a memory of Dave at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.