January 27, 1936 – May 29, 2025
Geneva Bruce, 89, of Manly, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Mayo Clinic in Albert Lea, Minnesota.
A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Friday June 13, 2025 at Hogan Bremer Moore Funeral Home, 126 3rd St. NE, Mason City, IA.
Geneva was born on January 27, 1936, in West Point, Mississippi, to Charlie and Mattie (Freshour) Coggins. She married Fredrick Bruce on March 29, 1956, in Washington, D.C., and together they built a loving home and raised a large, close-knit family.
Geneva lived for over 60 years on a beautiful acreage in Swaledale, Iowa, where she lovingly tended a four-acre garden. She canned everything she could and sold the rest, taking pride in what she grew. She was a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) and worked at the Rockwell nursing facility, always extending the same compassion to others that she showed her own family.
She had a fiery spirit — a true sassy spitfire — with a heart full of kindness and gratitude. She loved her little dog Mikey, a Japanese Chin who was her faithful companion. Geneva was a legendary cook and an even better baker, known for feeding her big family with love and flavor. Every holiday was special in her home, but she made Easter magical: giant baskets, extra-fun egg hunts, and kite flying that brought everyone together.
Geneva is survived by her children: Russ (Sarah) Bruce, David Bruce, Kim (Dan) Lunsford, Bob (Nancy) Bruce, and Chris Bruce. She was a devoted grandmother to Danny, Matthew, Jennifer, Destiny, Brandon, Nikki, Amber, and Cassidy. She also leaves behind numerous great-grandchildren; Colton, Harper, Adalynn, William the III, Roman, Kai, and Luca, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends who were like family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Bruce; her son, Doug Bruce; infant daughter, Judy Lynn; grandson, Brandon Bruce; granddaughter, Heidi Bruce, and her siblings, Charsie, Lucille, Ralph, Jim and Gene.
Geneva’s sass, sweetness, and strength touched everyone she met. Her legacy will live on in the gardens she planted, the meals she shared, and the family she so deeply loved.
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