Bruckner, Michael Steve "Mike" 1951-2023

BRUCKNER, DIEGEL, OLSON

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 9/13/2023 at 12:53:40

Michael Steve Bruckner was born on April 16, 1951, in Faulkton, SD, to Fred and Leota (Diegel) Bruckner. He grew up on a farm south of Ipswich, SD and attended Powell Township Country School and graduated from Ipswich High School in 1969. Mike loved working on farms helping the old farmers throughout his high school years.

Mike married Pamela Jean Olson on May 2, 1970, at First Presbyterian Church in Aberdeen, SD. They started their married life in Aberdeen where he first worked at the Brown County Co-op as a service tech and later an assistant manager at the Bath Truck Stop. While working in Bath, SD, Mike also commuted to Kansas City where he attended the Farmland Industries Management School. In June 1978, Mike, Pam, and their young family moved to Rock Valley, IA, where he began working as the Manager of the Community Oil Company for 39 years. During his 39 years Mike built strong relationships with his board of directors, employees, and the community. Mike was instrumental in building the new Cenex and Service Station before his retirement in 2017. In retirement he began driving truck part-time, delivering parts for Siouxland Machine until April 2023. Mike enjoyed seeing the faces of the people he worked with every morning, and having his grandkids ride along with him.

Mike served on the Rock Valley Golf Course Board, Rock Valley Economic Development Board, and Director for the Petroleum Marketers of Iowa. He was a member of Faith Reformed Church in Rock Valley. Through the years he enjoyed golfing, going to the lake, visiting the mountains with his children and grandchildren, and helping with harvest in the fall. Mike very much enjoyed fishing trips with his close friends and the Co-op guys each year in Minnesota, which included lots and lots of funny stories. His last fishing trip was a deep-sea fishing trip with his son and grandkids in Florida.

In January 2013 Mike started his courageous 10½-year battle with cancer. He never allowed cancer to interfere with living his life to the fullest. Mike passed away Tuesday August 29, 2023, at home surrounded by the love of his family.

Mike is survived by his wife, Pam; 3 children and their families: daughter, Dawn (Vincent) Kumerow of Roseville, MN, daughter, Jessica (Mark) Kooiker of Boyden, IA and their children, Zachary, Craig, and EllaJean, and son, Shane (Krista) Bruckner of Colorado Springs, CO and their children Braedyn and Olivia. Also surviving are Mike’s siblings: Diane (Marvin) Duttenhoffer of Aberdeen, SD and John Bruckner of Wolsey, SD; Pam’s siblings: Connie Blank of Marietta, GA, Cindy (David) Pashko of Marietta, GA, and Mitzi (Tim) Dosch of Aberdeen, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Leota; Pam’s parents, Albert and Elaine Olson; brother, Bill Bruckner; brother-in-law, Jerry Blank; and sister-in-law, Victoria Olson.

Source: Porter Funeral Home online obituary.