Bruce Staples grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. He accepted a position with Dairyland Power Cooperative in 1981, working his way up to Vice President of the Transmission Division in 1998.

Bruce wasn’t in La Crosse very long before his volunteering spirit took flight. He became deeply involved with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse, serving on the Board of Directors from 1992-1998, and the Corporate Advisory Board since 1998. His contributions varied from serving on many committees to sponsoring and assisting with various athletic teams. In 1991, he received the Grandslam Award for his support of the Club’s youth baseball program. Bruce was also very instrumental to the success of many special events and fundraisers, including managing the computer technology of the annual benefit auction.

Bruce had many other ventures into youth work and community service, including English Lutheran Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Rotary Club, United Way, Blessed Sacrament Church, Cathedral, the Diocese of La Crosse and Coulee Region Professional Engineering Societies. He truly enjoyed being part of all these organizations.



Bruce passed away in December 2003, after a long and courageous battle with Cancer. He is survived by his wife Sue and son Kyle.