Bruce G. Backer, 75, of Redfield, SD died Sunday, November 1, 2009 at his home in Redfield. His memorial service will be Friday, November 6, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. Reverend Tim Fugman will officiate. Cremains burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. After the cremains burial, there will be a time for lunch and fellowship at Leo's CafAC.. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Bruce was born on the family farm, near Redfield, on April 15, 1934 to Carl and Vuriel (Young) Backer. He attended country school and graduated from Redfield High School in 1952. He played saxophone in the band and was elected homecoming king. In 1953, he married Diane Barness and they had a daughter, Deb, in 1954. He attended college at Springfield, SD and worked for Frank Christenson as a finish carpenter. He later went to electronics school in Minnesota and worked for Control Data. In 1967, Bruce came home to the family farm southeast of Redfield until he moved into Redfield in 1996.

During his retirement years he restored his model T and C-Cab pickup as well as refurbishing a couple of other pickups. He enjoyed cars, pickups and motorcycles all his life. He also enjoyed his meals at Leo's, where he could visit and meet new people. He enjoyed driving his model T's in the parades and throwing candy.

His many talents were given to his friends and family, helping with farm necessities, remodeling and fixing things.

Bruce is survived by his daughter Debra Backer Schanbeck and his granddaughter Shannon (Don) Armstrong. He is also survived by his sisters: Jean (Joe) Dvorak of Spearfish, SD, Betty (Gordon) Geuke of Zell, SD and Joyce Davies of New York, his sister-in-law Pauline Backer of Mesa, AZ and numerous aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Ralph Backer.