Bruce E. Popken

bruce popken
Bruce Elmer Popken, 70, of Elma, Iowa went to meet his Lord on September 21, 2010 at home. Bruce was born December 1, 1939, in Hawarden, Iowa to Elmer and Martha Popken. He attended country school through the eighth grade and graduated from Hawarden High School. On February 19, 1960 Bruce married Pauline Christine Lindgren at the Baptist Church of Hawarden. Together they farmed near Hawarden until moving to a farm south of Elma in 1974. Bruce was a successful conventional and organic farmer. He was dedicated to healthy farming practices like soil conservation, ridge till, and in the last fourteen years organic farming. Bruce received the Distinguished Service award for the 12 years he served as a Howard County Soil Conservation Commissioner. He also received the Howard County Master Soybean Grower Award in 1985. Bruce was a member of the Floyd Gospel Light House Church and enjoyed the annual Gospel Sing and weekly fellowship with his church family. Bruce volunteered as a weekly teacher at the Midwest Mission Bible Training Center for 9 years. He also enjoyed leading weekly Bible studies in their home. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Pauline, of Elma; three sons, Terry (Darla) of Riceville, Iowa, Tim (Maria) of Alta Vista, Iowa, and Travis (Rachel) of Lake Park, Iowa; two daughters, Tina (Randy) of Panora, Iowa, and Teresa (Tom) of Lime Springs, Iowa; one brother, James of Hudson, SD; one sister, Laraine (Lynn) Thorpe of Hudson, SD, 14 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Martha and Elmer; and his brother Larry. Memorials: Memorials may be directed to the family. Cemetery: Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Floyd, Iowa. Visitation: Visitation will be 4:00 7:00 PM on Friday, September 24, 2010 at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in Elma, Iowa with a scriptural service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the funeral service on Saturday. Service: Funeral Services will be 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at Gospel Lighthouse Church in Floyd, Iowa with Rev. Paul Phillips officiating.

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  1. Our sympathy goes out to you Pauline and you family. He sure had a tough journey but we are sure he is enjoying his new home in heaven. Fran and Jerome

  2. Dear Pauline and family: So sorry to learn of Uncle Bruce’s passing, our condolences to you. Bruce was an exceptional farmer, American patriot, and man of God. He will be greatly missed at family gatherings and always remembered as someone who made a difference. God bless…

  3. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Pauline, we reminisced last night about staying at your house on our way to Chicago with Travis and Rachel. We had the best time playing games with you and Bruce and your hospitality meant so much to us. Bruce will truly be missed!

  4. Dear Pauline and Family,
    Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. We will surely miss Bruce. May Jesus hold you in His Arms!
    Love Tom & Sue Gonyo

  5. Dear Pauline and family.
    We are so sorry tor your loss.
    You will be in our thought´s.
    May he rest in peace.
    Ann & Thomas, Anna-Greta, Eje & Monica

  6. Sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father, Bruce. Just wanted to let you know you are in our prayers.

  7. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family at this difficult time. I know you have many good memories that will help you through this difficult time. Knowing he is in a better place is such assurance for you.

  8. I was sad to hear of Bruce’s passing. I have many fond memories of spending time with your family after Teresa and I met at camp. I think of all of you often and mentioned to Teresa, just a couple days before she called with the news I had gone through my pictures of the times she and I spent together at each others homes and at camp. I will always cherish those times. Love to all! Janell

  9. Pauline and Family,
    Our deepest condolences to you and your family for the loss of Bruce. Memories of my childhood and moments that were shared with your family will stay with me always. You are in our thoughts and prayers.


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