Bruce Preheim: 1948-2021

Bruce E. Preheim, 73, of Vermillion, S.D., left this life for his next Grand Adventure on Saturday, August 7, 2021 surrounded by his loved ones.

Bruce Elliot Preheim was born in 1948 in Marion, S.D., to Herb and Marguerite Preheim. He was the oldest, along with his twin brother, of four siblings.

Bruce graduated from Marion High School in 1966. He received an undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota, and graduate degrees in art from the University of West Virginia and from the University of South Dakota.

There are few homes in the Vermillion and Sioux Falls, S.D., areas without Bruce Preheim’s drawings and paintings in them. Bruce’s art masterfully captured the unique life and characters he knew and loved. He was also a gifted songwriter, having penned songs that have become classics in South Dakota and among his many musician friends, with whom he often shared the stage. Songs like “Trash Can Boogie,” “Today I Smiled Away,” “Mighty Fast Talkin,’” “Burlington Blues,” and “Kneeling at the Foot of the Cross” will live on in recordings and live performances for decades to come.

Grateful for having shared his life are his daughter, Emily (Ralph) Lawrence; his grandchildren: Josephine, Oliver and Julian; Emily’s mother and Bruce’s former wife, Michaelene (Dave) Adams; his mother, Marguerite; his brothers, Keith (Lori) and Brad (Kelly); his sister, Monica (Dennis) Jensen; many nieces and nephews; and his life partner, Sharon Gray, her children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Herb.

A celebration of life with potluck and music will be held at Clay County Park in Vermillion on Saturday, Aug. 14 at 4 p.m. Please bring your own chairs and beverages.

Kober Funeral Home of Vermillion has been entrusted with the service. Condolences may be posted online to www.koberfuneralhome.com

A Poet Who Writes Late at Night

I’m a man full of passions,

a long time unbridled,

living too young for bones growing old.

I’m the tears welling up

from the deep of my suffering

and bringing love down from 

memories in gold.

– Bruce Preheim