Bruce Michael Shirley, 72, Fargo, ND, died on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at Essentia Hospital after a short battle with cancer. 
Bruce was born on July 12, 1952 in Ada, MN, the son of Leland “Smokey” and Nina (Vigesaa) Shirley. He was baptized and confirmed at Winchester Lutheran Church in Borup, MN. Bruce graduated with the class of 1970 from Borup High School. Bruce attended Area Vocational Technical College in Thief River Falls, MN, where he graduated with a degree in Aviation Mechanics on May 21, 1972.
Bruce worked on the Herman Lee Farm for several years and also put his construction skills to use by working for Leo Janish. In 1978 and 1979 Bruce and Jerome Ambuehl formed the company known as S&A Construction, where they did cement work and put up steel bins.
On June 25, 1980, Bruce began his lifelong career at the Fargo Fire Department. He was a firefighter until he retired on July 13, 2007. He soon realized retirement was not for him and returned to the fire department as a support tech on September 24th of that same year. He held this position until May 8, 2013, where he retired permanently.
In his spare time, Bruce liked to fly remote-controlled airplanes and work with computers. In recent years Bruce would pass the time by taking his dog Judd to the dog park.
Bruce is survived by his daughters, Trisha (Jim) Spalla, Detroit Lakes, MN, and Jessica (Chris) Grudecki, Gilbert, AZ; sister, Lois (Jim) Gnadt, Ada, MN; grandchildren, Paige Crompton, Jorgia and Jazelle Tester, Colin and Lincoln Grudecki, Darius Woods-Steichen, and Treston, Brok and Addison Spalla; nieces and nephews, Jerry Gnadt, Kellee Thingelstad, Virginia Olson, Nikki Melichar, and Jason Sorenson; and his beloved dog, Judd.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Leland and Nina; siblings, Sherry Sorenson, Gary Lietzau, Zelda Brendemuhl; and Betty Cameron; and brother-in-law, Jerry Sorenson.
Memorial Service: 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Winchester Lutheran Church, Borup, MN.
Visitation: One hour before the service at the church.
Inurnment: Winchester Lutheran Cemetery, Borup, MN.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.fredriksonfh.com
Arrangements with Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Homes of Ada & Halstad, Minnesota
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