Bruce Redding

Mobridge, S.D.

Bruce Vernon Redding, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully while in home hospice care on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at the age of 77. He leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and pure goodness.

Born on January 30, 1947, in Minot, ND, to Raymond and Peggy Redding, Bruce grew up in the small town of Sawyer, ND, with his 5 siblings. His love for music was one that was deeply rooted from a young age. Bruce graduated from Sawyer High School in 1965 and continued his post-secondary education at University of North Dakota-Ellendale Branch. He performed in a folk music group there, which is where he met his wife, Judith A. Shock. He graduated with a business and music degree in 1968 and they were later married on a very hot August 3rd of that same year.

From that union, Bruce and Judy raised two daughters, Jody and Ginger. Bruce’s love for music continued into a 10-year career teaching vocal and instrumental music. After moving to Mobridge in 1979, Bruce sold big blue Harvestore silos for a few years before making his final career switch to the car business. He worked at the dealership as a salesman and finance manager through 3 name changes and over 3 decades. He said recently he never had a job he didn’t love.

Bruce continued sharing his musical gifts all his life. He played in a band called Jerry Lee and the Peacebreakers as a student. Bruce spent years playing drums in the country band Borrowed Time and singing and playing guitar in the folk group the Bridgedaires along with performing with the group PB&J. He was also a member of the Aberdeen Elk’s Chorus and directed the church choir at the UCC church in Mobridge for many years. Whether strumming his guitar or singing his favorite tunes, he had a gift for bringing harmony to life.

Bruce had a servant’s heart, which shone through in his 20+ years of membership as a Shriner, both the Aberdeen Yelduz and Sioux Falls El Riad groups. He was a member of both groups’ men’s Chanters, singing and entertaining many for years, as well as transporting kids to the Shriner’s Hospital in the Twin Cities and volunteering at numerous Shrine Circuses.

Golf and hunting were other passions of Bruce’s. His skill and dedication to golf were unmatched, and his presence on the course brought warmth and camaraderie to all who knew him. His respect for the outdoors and his skill as a hunter were a testament to his patience, perseverance, and love of nature.

Above all, Bruce was devoted to his family. From teaching his girls piano as toddlers to caring for Judy in her last years of life, Bruce was selfless. His greatest source of pride was his ten grandchildren. He was present at hundreds of concerts, sporting events, and special events, and even made the journey in 2010 to Ukraine to help bring three grandchildren home through adoption. He shared his wisdom with each of them and had a way to make each grandchild feel special. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering support that will continue to inspire and guide his family for generations to come.

Bruce’s memory will forever be cherished by his children Jody (Chad) Taylor and Ginger (Heath) Ewing, his sisters Jacky Morris, Bobbie (Bob Bohlender) Everson, Christie (Melvin) Broughman, brothers Steve (Mary) Redding and Scot (Patti) Redding, ten grandchildren Cameron & Carson Quigley, Aspen & Jordan Taylor, and Rebecca, Amelia, Daniel, Zachary, Charles, & Evelyn Ewing, sister-in-law, Peggy Wilke, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Bruce was preceded in death by his wife, Judy, parents Raymond and Peggy Redding, parents in law Arthur and Gladys Schock, and brothers in law Rodney Morris and Steven Wilke. Though he may be gone, his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched and the memories he created. Remember Bruce’s words of advice, “Life is Good!”

Bruce’s life was celebrated with a prayer service at Kesling Funeral Home in Mobridge on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 5:00 pm and a funeral at the Mobridge United Church of Christ on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 1:00 pm.

Bruce’s funeral service was livestreamed and is available at Mobridge UCC Facebook page. www.facebook.com/mobridge.ucc

Published by The Minot Daily News, April 30, 2024.