Bruce Macdonald Obituary

Bruce Macdonald, 79, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Edencrest Green Meadows in Johnston, Iowa. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Monday, February 10, 2025, at Iles Westover Funeral Home in Des Moines. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church in Des Moines. Interment will be held at Glendale-Masonic Cemetery, also in Des Moines.

Bruce was born on March 12, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois to his parents, Robert and Janith Macdonald. He grew up in Winnetka, Illinois and graduated from New Trier High School (1963). He graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, IA (1967, Business Administration). He played baseball for Drake, co-captained the team for two years, and was named All-Missouri Valley Conference at First Base during the 1966 season. Bruce married the love of his life, Jennifer Ann Jones, on June 1, 1968 in Des Moines. Together they lived in Norfolk, Virginia for three years while Bruce served in the United States Navy. They also resided near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, before moving back to Des Moines in 1976.

Bruce worked primarily in the food business throughout his career. He was a manager for McDonald’s, had his own bread routes for Pepperidge Farms and Brownberry, and was a salesman for several food brokerage companies, including Sales Force of Des Moines and Znerold. In his semi-retired life, he had his own vending company, coordinated regional driving for vehicle dealerships including Stivers Ford, and volunteered for the Urbandale and Johnston food pantries.

He was a member, deacon, and faithful servant at Meredith Drive Reformed Church (MDRC) in Des Moines since the early 1980s. He had a wonderful ministry with the Liberian refugee community and formed many lifelong friendships at MDRC. Recently, he was a member of Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church in Des Moines. A cornerstone of his faith journey was regularly attending Bible study with fellow church members.

Bruce loved sports, especially Drake football and basketball, and was a fan of the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Lions. He coached his sons in baseball and basketball as well as the Meredith Drive Church softball team for many years. He had an exceptional knowledge of baseball and golf, which he shared with his family and friends.

Bruce enjoyed vacationing and walking the beaches with Jennifer in Marco Island, Florida. They also enjoyed visiting Branson, Missouri, spending time in Colorado, and traveling in Europe with friends.

He is survived by his two children, Douglas (Tae) and Matthew (Melinda) Macdonald; four grandchildren, Cameron (Laura), Gavin (Kristine), Marielle, and Maxton Macdonald; two great-grandchildren, Elliot and Mason Macdonald; brother, Bob (Sue) Macdonald; sister, Laurie (Mark) Baker.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the Urbandale or Johnston Food Pantry.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

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