Bruce R. Egerstrom

Bruce R. Egerstrom, 83, of Watertown, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026, at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Watertown.  The family is requested to be at the church at 10:30 am for a prayer service.  Rev. Benjamin Radtke will officiate.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown and 1 hour prior to the funeral service. 

Burial will take place at Mt. Hope Cemetery.  Honorary pallbearers will be Riley Egerstrom, Frank Egerstrom, Athena Egerstrom, and Madden Egerstrom.  Active pallbearers will be Macrae Fleck, Easton Fleck, Brett Egerstrom, Carson Page, Rachael Page, Mason Egerstrom, and Brian Egerstrom.

Bruce was born on May 17, 1943, in Benson, Minnesota, to Ardell and Louise (Gilbertson) Egerstrom. He graduated from Murdock High School and continued his education at the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, North Dakota, where he studied auto mechanics.

Following his education, Bruce worked as an auto mechanic for more than 20 years, working to pursue his lifetime dream to become a farmer.   In 1971, he achieved his dream of purchasing his own farm. The land was more than his livelihood—it was his passion. Bruce spent his life caring for the farm he loved, where he resided through these final days.  

On May 1, 1966, Bruce married the love of his life, Joyce Waege, in South Shore, South Dakota. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work, sharing over 60 years of marriage.

Bruce proudly served his country as a member of the National Guard. He also served on the Pelican Township Board and was a faithful member of St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Watertown. Away from the farm, he enjoyed racing stock cars, playing Pinochle, cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, and spending time with those he loved most.

Bruce was a man of quiet strength, unwavering determination, and an exceptional work ethic. He believed that no matter how difficult life became, you always found the strength to get back up and keep going. Through his words—and even more powerfully through his actions—he instilled in his children and grandchildren the enduring values of perseverance, kindness, and integrity.

His legacy will live on in the farm he created, the family he cherished, and in the lessons he taught them every day.

Grateful for having shared his life are his beloved wife, Joyce Egerstrom of Watertown; his children, Sandra Nelson of Watertown, SD; Cindy (Steve) Fleck of Waconia, MN; Amy (Brian) Page of Marshall, MN; and Terry (Becky) Egerstrom of Watertown, SD; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his brothers, Rick (Diane) Egerstrom of Big Lake, MN; and Lee (Linda) Egerstrom of Prior Lake, MN; his sister, Judy (Kent) Baker of Rogers, MN; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Ardell and Louise Egerstrom, and his sister, Sandra Egerstrom.

The family would like to share their gratitude to the Sanford nursing staff for their compassionate care in his final days.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti

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