Bruce Jones

Bruce E. Jones, 54, of Waukon died Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Northgate Care Center in Waukon. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, November 30 at 11 a.m. at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waterville with Pastor Ken Kimball officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery. Friends may greet the family from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, November 29 at Martin-Grau Funeral Home, Waukon.

Fifty-four years ago, August 1, 1968, when Bruce was born, a Down’s Syndrome child was considered a family tragedy - that a child should remain a child for life. To his siblings, he was just another brother.

Bruce had a strong faith and was baptized and confirmed at the Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waterville. He attended Abner Hendericks School in Decorah as a child and graduated from high school in 1988.

The TASC training facility in Waukon became Bruce’s world; it was clear to all that he loved going to “work” every day. TASC remained a source of stability and familiarity to Bruce for 31 years. While there, he was active in much of the training, enjoyed weaving rugs, cutting strips for the rugs, carding buttons, etc. Bruce loved to wear a tie, whether it was with a t-shirt, sweatshirts or dress shirts.

Bruce loved music, especially Christmas music, which he played all year around. Bruce taught himself to play the keyboard and had many songs memorized. At family gatherings, he would entertain us for hours, playing and singing at the top of his lungs. Bowling brought great joy to Bruce; he would keep everyone laughing with his little dance, followed by yelling “Hot Shot” when he knocked down the bowling pins.

Bruce was a great help to his parents while living at home. He helped fold clothes, vacuum, fill the dishwasher, and even helped cook for them with the help of TASC staff. Eventually, Bruce moved to a TASC supervised house, where his roommates became a second family to him.

Bruce was loved by all who knew him. He brought great joy to many people’s lives and he made the world a better place.

Bruce is survived by his siblings: Debra (Pat) McGeough of Waukon, Mary (Tim) Kelly of Waukon, Rodney (Rita) Jones of Strawberry Point, Diane Cunningham of Rosebud, TX, Ellen (Kevin) Krousie of Waukon, Paula (Roger) Goeke of Rosebud, TX and Wanda (Pat) Schellsmidt of Waukon; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmet and Bernadine Jones; his brother, Dennis Jones; his grandparents, Irving and Rita Hartong and Leo and Ruth Jones; and his brother-in-law, Marvin Cunningham.

Honorary casketbearers are the TASC clients and staff. Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.