Dr. Bruce R. Havick

Bruce Robert Havick, son of Elmer and Wilma (Anderson) Havick, was born January 13, 1942, in Harlan, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at the Presbyterian Church in Avoca, Iowa. He attended grade school and high school in Avoca, where he graduated with the class of 1959. Bruce was an Eagle Scout and involved with 4-H showing calves every year at the Shelby County Fair in High School. As a veterinarian, Bruce continued his involvement with 4H by checking animals in at the fair for many years.

After high school, Bruce attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. While in Veterinary School, he married his high school sweetheart, Kay Schueman on May 27, 1961, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca. Five daughters were born to this union: Kaylee, Jodie, Stacie, Jill and Heather. After graduating from Iowa State in 1965, Bruce started his Veterinary career in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Then in 1966 he went to work for Dr. Juhler in Harlan, later becoming partners. When Dr. Juhler retired Bruce partnered Harlan Veterinary Associates with Dr. Don Jacobi, Dr. Ray Pleak & Dr. Michele Eckerman until his own retirement in 2006.

His love and passion for animals remained important even after retirement. Prior to and after retirement Bruce found joy in farming on his family farm North of Avoca. He loved the outdoors, especially spending time at their lake home in Lake View. Bruce loved traveling, spending vacations with his family in Cozumel and yearly Caribbean trips with Dr. C.A. & Karen Gustafson. He enjoyed and looked forward to the fishing trips to Canada with his veterinary classmates. He took great pride in his grandchildren and enjoyed attending their events. Bruce will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father and "Popee."

He passed away on Saturday, June21, 2025 at Elm Crest Retirement Home in Harlan, attaining the age of eighty-three years, five months, and eight days. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Jodie, brothers James and Steven.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Kay Havick of Harlan, Iowa; daughters, Kaylee Havick of Denison, Iowa; Stacie (Ernie) Foss of Harlan, Iowa; Jill (Scott) Schiltz of Earling, Iowa; Heather (David) Kohles of Panama, Iowa; grandchildren: Joey Foss, Austin (Hannah) Foss, Nickolas Foss, Nathan Schiltz (fiancé Emily Kerkhoff), Andrew Schiltz (fiancé Haley Hillgartner), Riley Kohles (fiancé Hannah Irlbeck), Jacey Kohles (boyfriend Alec Lahr), and Kendall Kohles. Great-grandchildren Noa and Chandler Foss; nieces, nephews, many other family members, and friends.