Bruce G. Hollabaugh, 47, of rural Highland, died unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon, August 22, 2017, at Hiawatha Community Hospital surrounded by his family.

Bruce was born at Hiawatha, March 12, 1970, one of three children born to Gene and Naomi Grover Hollabaugh and had spent nearly all of his life at Hiawatha. He grew up here where he attended Hiawatha schools, graduating with the class of 1988.  Bruce was not afraid of work:  he worked for the City of Hiawatha Water Department for 12 years; 6 years for Circle C Farms, Steve Compton, at Scott City, in his farming and custom harvesting operation, and ADM Crosswind Packaging Division in Hiawatha; in addition to helping his family to care for Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Bruce attended First Christian Church in Hiawatha prior to attending to Community of Christ Church in Fanning.  To say Bruce loved the outdoors was an understatement!  He loved to fish but his passion was deer hunting.  Bruce enjoyed loading shells of all types, collecting guns, and a dedicated NASCAR fan.  He enjoyed raising all types of hot peppers for deer summer sausage…and sharing it.  In recent years, he enjoyed processing deer for Rawhide Camp.  Bruce was a true friend to many….would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.

He married the love of his life Melanie Whetstine Edie March 31, 2012, at the Fanning Church.  She survives.

Also surviving are step-children Kyleigh Edie, Joey Edie, Brennah Edie, all of Highland; his mother Naomi Hollabaugh of Hiawatha; mother-in-law Virginia Whetstine of rural Highland; Grandmother Patty Dean; two sisters:  Debra (Ward) Mitchell of Godfrey, IL, Geriann Marvin of Ozark, MO; sister in law JoEllen (Marion) Howerton of Highland; brother in law John (Dana) Whetstine of rural Highland; 10 nieces:  Chantal Mitchell, Gabriella and Skyer Davis, Ellie Clark, Lacey Banks, Lexie Tayiah, Kinlee, Malaina and Emmyjo Whetstine; 5 nephews:  Scott Mitchell, Justin Clark, Hunter and Gable Howerton, Austin Boos;  2 great-nephews:  Calvin and Brody Mitchell; a great niece Rynley Boos

Bruce was preceded in death by his father Gene; father in law John Whetstine; great-nephew Gabriel Cervantes.

A Celebration of Life Service is planned for 3 p.m. Saturday, August 26, at the Fanning Community of Christ Church, with Kathleen Twombly officiating.  Interment will follow at Iowa Point Cemetery.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 10 a.m. Friday where the family will meet from 6 until 8 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Bruce Hollabaugh Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.   www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com