NORA SPRINGS — Bruce Alan Shipman, a hardworking family man who treasured his rural roots, longtime friendships, music and loyal canine companions, passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2026, following a lengthy battle with Wegener’s vasculitis. He was 64.
A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Rudd United Methodist Church, 611 Sixth Street in Rudd. Pastor Lumiere Kapend will officiate.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, August 7, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue in Mason City.
Memorial contributions in Bruce’s honor may be directed to Rudd United Methodist Church.
Born April 6, 1962, in Mason City, Bruce was the son of Dave and Barbara Gerdes Shipman. He and his sister, Pam, were raised on their family farm near Nora Springs, where Bruce learned the value of responsibility, perseverance and caring for the land.
That farm remained deeply important throughout his life. Bruce spent years mowing and maintaining his parents’ acreage, continuing the work until his health would no longer allow it. Following his mother’s death, he returned to the farm and proudly assumed responsibility for caring for the place his father had built and loved.
As a young man, Bruce enjoyed football, baseball and participating in the Boy Scouts. He attended Rudd-Rockford High School and continued his education at North Iowa Area Community College.
Bruce built a varied working career that included roofing, operating a forklift at Mason City Cold Storage and working at the hatchery. He spent 27 years with Winnebago Industries in Forest City before joining his wife in the family business during the final two years of his working life.
Throughout those jobs and communities, Bruce developed friendships that endured for decades. Friends and relatives knew him for his humor, appreciation of music and ability to bring enjoyment to the people around him.
Bruce also shared a special connection with his dogs. Whether relaxing at home, working around the property or heading somewhere in the vehicle, he was rarely without a trusted canine companion nearby. Their loyalty and companionship brought him lasting comfort and happiness.
Family remained the center of Bruce’s life. He was a devoted husband, proud father and uncle, and an enthusiastic grandfather who was eagerly anticipating the arrival of another great-grandchild.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Christen; sons Justin Dana and his wife, Katy, and David Shipman and his wife, Sara; daughter Jamie Hearn and her husband, David; stepsons Sean Watkins and his wife, Betsy, and Brett Funk and his wife, Christina; stepdaughter Ashley Hesley; 11 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild expected in the future.
He is also survived by his nephews, Josh Trygstad and his wife, Lacy, Patrick Trygstad and his wife, Laura, and Jody Trygstad; and niece Samantha Lievrouw and her fiancé, Skyler.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, David and Barbara Shipman; his sister, Pamela Trygstad; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.
Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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