Bruce Lamar Broberg

Bruce Lamar Broberg, 76, of West Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025. Memorial services will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Grand Island, NE on Wednesday, April 23rd at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be an hour prior to the start of the service. Fellowship will follow the service. 

Bruce was born in Holdrege, Nebraska, on October 30th, 1948, to Quinton and Marna (Hoglund) Broberg. He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose quiet strength and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He lived a life rooted in kindness and love for his family.

Bruce was raised in Loomis, Nebraska, where he attended school before graduating from Loomis High School. He continued his education at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where he laid the foundation for a lifelong career in education. Bruce began his teaching career at high schools throughout Nebraska and later spent 33 years at Central Community College in Grand Island, Nebraska, where he served as a teacher and Associate Dean of General Instruction. His dedication to his students and the field of education left a lasting impact on the many lives he touched.

Bruce was married in 1972 to Loretta Varah, and together they were blessed with two sons, Bryan and Brad. In 1989, Bruce married the love of his life, Alice (Deeds) Cordes. He welcomed Alice’s son Andy Cordes into his life. They shared 24 wonderful years of marriage before Alice’s passing. Bruce’s love for Alice remained steadfast throughout his life, and their bond left an indelible mark on all who knew them.

He is survived by his sons: Bryan Broberg and his children, Ellie and Ben Broberg; Brad Broberg and his wife Kristin and their children, Cade, Will, and Reid Broberg; and Andy Cordes and his wife Katie and their children, Laila and Ethan Cordes. He is also survived by his sister, Deanne Nelson; and his brother, Delbert Broberg and his wife, Mercy and many nieces & nephews.

Bruce’s greatest joy was his family. Whether it was cheering on his grandchildren, playing pitch and bridge with family and friends, dancing, going to every home Husker football game his health would allow, sharing stories, or simply being present, he gave his time and love generously. One of Bruce’s biggest hobbies was his genealogy. He researched the Broberg family tree 7 generations back to Sweden. He also researched his spouse’s family back several generations. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the values he instilled in his children and grandchildren.

Memorials suggested to Donate Life or Central Community College Foundation.