Ambrose (Bruce) Harmon McGuire, a cherished brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many, was surrounded by family as he peacefully passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026. He accomplished everything he was sent here to do and a whole lot more in his nearly 83 years – a job well done.

Born on July 26, 1943, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Ira and Kathryn McGuire, Bruce grew up in Vincent, Iowa, playing baseball and raising sheep. Bruce and his family later showed several flocks of purebred sheep across regional and state fairs, and they were known for hauling the sheep in a modified school bus. Bruce’s devotion to community and education was evident from his youth; Bruce graduated from Eagle Grove High School in 1961 as a multi-sport athlete. He pursued higher education and baseball at Eagle Grove Junior College and then attended Northwest Missouri State, earning a bachelor’s degree in both ag education and psychology. In 1964, Bruce married Dianne Egli, and after making stops in Lamoni, Storm Lake, and Guthrie Center, the couple eventually settled and raised their family in Ankeny, Iowa.

His career with the USDA (Farmers’ Home Administration / Rural Economic Development) grew, leading him to serve as Chief of Housing for the state of Iowa, and eventually a national post in Washington DC. His dedication to service played a pivotal role in shaping communities across Iowa and the nation. Bruce retired in 2008 after 40 decorated years at USDA.

His passion for community, real estate, and raising purebred sheep continued as he resettled in Baxter, Iowa. In Baxter, Bruce embarked upon his second career, becoming a realtor and eventually acquiring Baxter Real Estate as the broker. He found a new sense of community in Baxter, building his business, developing the community, and supporting local organizations, including Collins Maxwell Baxter schools and athletics.

Bruce’s generous spirit extended beyond his profession, including service on the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement (Sale of Champions), Polk County Extension Council, Iowa Sheep Industry Association board, National Suffolk Sheep Association board, both the Iowa Hampshire and Suffolk Sheep Association Boards, Ankeny City Planning Committee, and the Baxter Economic Development committee. 

His enthusiasm and commitment left a lasting impact wherever he lived and served. Throughout his life, Bruce found joy in many passions: coaching his daughters in youth sports, playing co-ed volleyball, raising horses & sheep, showing purebred sheep across the country with his siblings, children and grandchildren, his Catholic faith, and rooting for his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes, NWMS Bearcats, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Ankeny Hawks, CMB Raiders and the St. Louis Cardinals…all while perpetuating an ongoing debate of Hawkeyes vs Cyclones with his clearly more enlightened children. Above all, his greatest treasure was his family. 

He lovingly leaves behind his children: Julie Weltha of Ankeny, IA; Kellie (Gary) Welter of Gowrie, IA; and Andrew (Laura) McGuire of Hartland, WI. His heart lives on in nine grandchildren—Elizabeth (Beau), Mariah (Ian), Clayton (Chelsey), Amber, Haylee (Rhett), Tristan, Bridget, Ryan, and Dillon—and six great-grandchildren, including Bentley, Charlee, Isaac, Wells, James, and two more on the way! Bruce’s memory is also cherished by his sister, Iris (Tim) Hazel; sisters-in-law Karen McGuire and Marilyn Egli; brothers-in-law Jim Egli, Tom (Teresa) Egli, Rick (Trudy) Egli; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends, and his former wife, Dianne Hendricks.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Tim and Lawrence McGuire; son-in- law Vance Weltha; great-granddaughter Aubree Biedenfeld; in-laws Joe and Arlys Egli; and brother & sister-in-law Jeff & Sandy Egli. 

Bruce’s life was a testament to the values of family, service, and community. His legacy of kindness, dedication, and love will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of life, including a brief program and social gathering, will be held in the sheep barn show ring at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 23rd at 4:00 P.M., with a time of sharing beginning at 4:30 P.M. Visitation will follow his service and end at 8:00 P.M. 

The family will later celebrate his birthday with a private, Catholic burial alongside his parents, brothers, and other relatives in Duncombe, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to a youth scholarship fund the family is establishing in Bruce’s name. Funds can be directed to the Bruce McGuire Scholarship donation link on www.themcguirefoundation.org or via check payable to “The McGuire Foundation,” a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, with receipts available upon request.

Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care is honored to assist the family during this time of remembrance and celebration.