Dr. Bruce "Doc" Baxter
Dr. Bruce E. “Doc” Baxter, 83, died Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at his home in Van Horne, following a sudden illness. Memorial Services and Flag Presentation were held Monday, April 11 at Phillips Funeral Home in Keystone with Rev. Kevin Fiedler officiating. Private Family Interment was at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Primghar. A memorial fund has been established.
Bruce was born July 31, 1932 in Battle Creek to Gordon and Lula (Evans) Baxter and graduated from Archer High School in 1950. Bruce served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War on the Battleship U.S.S. Wiltsie. Following his discharge in 1955, Bruce attended Iowa State University and graduated from the Iowa State School of Veterinary Science.
He married Veronica Lakers and had four daughters, Denise, Cindy, Kathy and Laura. Later, he married Julie Erb and they had a daughter, Jessica.
Bruce practiced in Minot in North Dakota, and in Primghar, Waukon and Van Horne in Iowa. He was very active in the Van Horne community, serving on the Benton Community School Board and the Van Horne City Council. He was also a member of the Thomas F. Bevins American Legion Post #148 and the 40 & 8. Bruce volunteered as a hospital chaplain.
Doc was a sincere and caring man who deeply loved his family, community and country. His skilled veterinary expertise enhanced his great love for God’s many creatures - especially his beloved felines, Miss Kitty and Grayson. A visit with Doc would always make you smile, as he always had a warm greeting and a story to tell. He greatly enjoyed fishing, gardening, cooking, stained glass creating, and was an avid Cyclone and Bobcat fan. The legacy of his kind, fun-loving spirit, and zest for life will live on through his beloved family and community. He will be missed but not forgotten.
He is survived by his daughters, Denise (Steve) Duffy of Decorah, Cindy (Greg) Anderson of Grandville MI, Kathy (Joe) Schwartzhoff of Decorah, Laura (Sam) Parizek of Elberon and Jessica Baxter of Jesup; 10 grandchildren, Brenna (Chris) Bass, Brett (Kerry Meighan) Duffy, Eric Anderson, Emily Anderson, Christian (Kristi) Schwartzhoff, Keith (Amanda) Schwartzhoff, Alison Schwartzhoff, Natalie Parizek, Charlie Parizek and Braydie Parizek; three great-grandchildren, Bowen Bass, and Kaylee and Olivia Schwartzhoff; and two brothers, Lowell Baxter of Ft. Worth, TX and Kenneth (Coyleen) Baxter of Pistol River, OR.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Robert and Gail Baxter.
Phillips Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and condolences may be left at www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.
