Joseph Bosworth

Joseph Bruce Bosworth, known as “Bruce” was born on March 22, 1933, to Joseph and Gladys Bosworth. One of five children: Allen (Marlene), Janet “Mitzie” (Curt) Fronke and twin brothers Robert (Janet), and Richard (Rose).

He attended Plankinton High School and later the University of South Dakota at Vermillion, but his true preparations were deeply supplemented elsewhere. As the son of a farmer, Bruce spent his childhood learning the trade of hard work, and doing things the right way. Bruce didn’t know it yet, but this was the training ground for the big plans that awaited him throughout his life.

As Bruce was setting out, the man upstairs quickly realized he needed something to support Bruce on this journey ahead. Much like God knew Adam needed his Eve, Bruce needed his Waneta. The marriage to Waneta Joy Houska took place on June 12, 1955, but those who knew the couple well know the true landmark was a single dance at a Dance Hall in Chamberlain, SD. The spectators of this love affair witnessed 68 years of marriage in the making.

Freshly hitched Bruce answered the call of his country at Fort Carson, Fort Benning, and Fort Riley. He completed his eight years for the National Guard in North Dakota. It was during this time that he was recognized as a leader in the U.S. Amy. He was commissioned and discharged as Officer Grade of Captain of the U.S. Army. He was then afforded a management role with REA that brought him back to his hometown of Plankinton, SD. Bruce’s pursuit of excellence allowed him to climb the corporate ladder which brought Bruce and Waneta and their young family to many different destinations over the next decade: Alaska, North Dakota, and eventually to Estherville, IA in 1970.

As General Manager of DEK, for twenty five years, Bruce spearheaded the consolidation efforts of smaller electric systems into the larger system known today as Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative. This groundbreaking campaign that was approved in 1985 not only changed ILEC, but his blueprint gained traction across the nation. Bruce chaired both state and National R.E.C.A.’s. He didn’t invent the light bulb, but he brought Iowan’s the power of the light bulb in a way that is every bit as transformational. A simple boy from the farm saw what needed fixing and since he was at it, made sure it was done right. With the many successes behind him, Bruce felt comfortable retiring in 1995 to Spirit Lake, IA to enjoy a slower pace of life and spend time with those who mattered most, his family.

It was in this season of life that we got to see the simple passions of a man, doing things he enjoyed the most. Bruce and Waneta enjoyed the winter months in Arkansas and Arizona and traveled extensively visiting friends and family. During this time, Bruce was a member of a men’s bible study, and was also a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church. This was one of his greatest commitments.

Whether he was mowing the yard while picking up each twig simultaneously, or teaching one of his 9 grandkids how to cast a line, he was meticulous. He may have left the board room, but he never stopped teaching. Christmases were spent ensuring his grandkids had talents and those talents were showcased. Bruce enjoyed traveling to many sporting events and celebrations of his 9 grandchildren.

Bruce also enjoyed his time away from his meticulous lawn by golfing with his regular golf buddies at Emerald Hills. His Ping putter never failed him and was his favorite club in his bag. If you didn’t find Bruce on the course or at home, you would find him on the Missouri River fishing for walleye in his green Crestliner boat. Bruce never missed an opportunity to visit his old stomping grounds in South Dakota to partake in pheasant hunting and feed with the Bosworth family.

His greatest commitment in his life was to be the best father, grandfather, and most importantly husband. The way Bruce loved and honored Waneta is perhaps the greatest gift he gave those he is leaving behind. We saw it, felt it, and witnessed it until the very end. Bruce may have passed on December 1, 2023, but his commitment for excellence is something that will live on in all of us. So, the next time you find yourself fixing a pillow, teaching your kid the “right way,” or looking at your spouse the same way you did for the first time, remember Bruce and his love for his wife and family.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Waneta Bosworth of 68 years, son, Kelly (Mary) Bosworth, grandson, Nicholas (Samantha), and great-grandchildren, Maisie and Ames, granddaughter, Allison (Trent) Davis and great-grandson Declan, and grandson Andrew Bosworth, daughter Tamra (Greg) Fries, grandson, Chad (McKinsey) and great-granddaughters, Poppy and Piper, grandson Colton (Celeste) Fries and great-granddaughter, Mirabella, daughter, Jodi (Lance) Edlin, granddaughter, Michele (Travis) Rutt, and great-granddaughters, Amilia and Ainsley, son, Brett (Sue) Bosworth, grandson Jonny (Lindsey), and great-granddaughters, Vivian and Naomi, granddaughter, Maria (Jake) Logan, and great-grandson, Theodore, and granddaughter Maddie Bosworth. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Allen and wife, Marlene, and Richard and wife, Rose.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Allen and wife, Marlene, and his brother, Richard and his wife, Rose.