Bruce Alan Anderson, 77, of Crookston, MN, passed away at his home early Wednesday morning, August 24, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.
Bruce was a lifelong Crookston, MN resident, born on February 17, 1945, to Charles and Hannah (Hanson) Anderson. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and attended Crookston schools from Washington Elementary through Central High School, graduating with the Class of 1964. He was then employed at Yates Texaco working for Joe Yates until entering the US Navy on December 4, 1965. Much of his tour of duty during the Vietnam War, was spent aboard the USS Observation Island based out of Port Canaveral, FL. Prior to his honorable discharge on December 4, 1969, and on behalf of a grateful nation, Bruce was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, The Good Conduct Award, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He returned to Crookston and began working for the Schraeder Auto Parts Company. On August 21, 1971, Bruce was united in marriage to the love of his life, Bonita Louise Gillie. Bruce and Bonnie raised their family in a very loving home, supporting them in all their school activities and achievements. While Bonnie was employed at the University of Minnesota-Crookston, Bruce spent most of his working career in the Maintenance Department, as the Storeroom/Purchasing Clerk, for the Polk County Highway Department until his retirement in 2007. He was also a longtime member of the Crookston Volunteer Fire Department and was honored by the City of Crookston at his retirement celebration for 20 years of dedicated service.
Bruce was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, VFW Post 1902, American Legion Post #20, and the Disabled American Veterans. He also held memberships with Eagles Aerie #873 and the International Union of Operating Engineers AFL-CIO. He enjoyed many favorite pastimes including hunting, fishing, golfing, woodworking, and playing bingo with Bonnie. His greatest pleasure in life was the time he and Bonnie spent with their family. Sadly, Bonnie passed away on April 17, 2010.
Bruce’s health began to decline recently and yet despite the sickness and pain he endured he still maintained his sense of humor as he continued to banter with family and friends. His daughters want everyone to know how blessed they were to have had him as their Dad for over 51 years. Furthermore, they acknowledge that his grandchildren definitely inherited his sense of humor and stubborn ways.
Bruce leaves 3 daughters and 2 sons-in-law: Cindy and Bob “one” Ramstad of Ada, MN, Brenda and Bob “two” Stoeke of Grand Rapids, MN, and Mary Przymus of Fargo, ND; 6 grandchildren: Danielle (Michael) Hanlon, Krista (Joseph) Presnick, Mitch Stoeke, Jeremy (Val) Such, Brady Przymus, and Zach Przymus; and 7 great-grandchildren: Alex and Olivia Hanlon, Kora Presnick, Ava and Noah Stoeke, Royce Such, and Isla Przymus. He is also survived by 2 sisters, JoAnn Thorp of Crookston and Judy Vick of Mentor, MN; from Bonnie’s family, brother-in-law, James Gillie of Le Sueur and sister-in-law Susan (Steve Johnston) of Minneapolis; several nieces, nephews, other relatives; and many friends.
Bruce has been reunited with Bonnie, his beloved wife, best friend, and soulmate for over 38 years; son, Chris Such; parents, Charles and Hannah Anderson; brothers, Charles Richard Anderson and John Rodney Anderson; brothers-in-law, Ernie Thorp and David Vick; parents-in-law, A. Blaine and Clara Gillie; sister-in-law, Helen Gillie; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Treasured is the memory of Bruce Alan Anderson.
The funeral service celebrating Bruce’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 1, 2022, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston with The Rev. Michael Ozaki, officiating. Visitation will be at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home Wednesday from 5-7:00 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, and visitation will continue at the church for one hour prior to the funeral. The services will be live-streamed by going to Bruce’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking on the prompt to view. Burial will follow an escort to Calvary Cemetery led by the Crookston Fire Department where military honors will be provided by the US Navy Funeral Honors Team and the Crookston Veterans Council.
Messages of condolence may be offered to Bruce’s family at www.stenshoelhouske.com
