Bruce A Fure, age 65, of Rochester, MN passed Thursday, June 24, 2021 of metastatic esophageal cancer. The cancer suddenly re-emerged after what had been successful treatment in 2008. Consistent with his generous nature, Bruce had expressed his desire that his corneas and other organ tissue be made available for transplant procedures or cancer research.

Bruce was born October 28, 1955 to Jenning and Marceline Fure in Albert Lea, MN. He grew up on a farm near Thompson, IA and Kiester, MN with siblings (Del, Madonna, and Diane) as well as his maternal Grandfather Otto.  He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Kiester. While growing up he was an active participant in farm work, gardening, and high school band. A 1974 Thompson High School graduate, Bruce lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track as well as participated in the IA state track meet.

Bruce worked throughout college as a cook and chef, one of his lifelong passions, but found time to excel in intramurals where he set a record for the long jump.  A graduate from Luther College in 1978, majoring in English, he later earned two subsequent masters degrees: Masters in Management and Masters in Health and Human Services. Throughout life he was noted for his ability to share his knowledge as well as learn from others.

While at Luther College, Bruce met the love of his life, Lois (Boeding). They married in 1979 and shared over 41 years together in a loving relationship admired by many. Bruce and Lois first resided in Waverly, IA before moving to Rochester, MN in the mid-1980s.

During his career, he was employed by IBM, Celestica and Mayo Clinic working primarily in purchasing. Bruce enjoyed his work and greatly appreciated his many treasured friends.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Lois, brother Del (Carolyn) of Decorah, IA, sister Madonna Brue (Keith deceased) of Rochester, sister Diane (John) Bazey of Rochester. He also leaves behind 2 wonderful aunts, Berdell Trytten and Margaret Fure, and 32 special, much-loved nieces and nephews. Bruce is also dearly remembered by many in-laws, cousins, and friends.

Some of Bruce's special joys included attending IA Hawkeyes football games with his brother and making lefse with his sisters. He cherished quiet conversations with Lois, sitting together on their porch watching nature unfold each season in the trees, grasses, and on the lake behind their home.  He delighted in time with friends, playing cards, doing crossword puzzles, and going on fishing trips to Montana, Wisconsin, Lake Michigan, and Lake Miltona. Tying flies and sharing them with others was a particularly gratifying hobby. Bruce loved bird watching, strived to identify in an Audubon-like way each specific species, and took special interest in studying diving ducks.

Bruce's spirit will live on through the many memories of his bright, playful sense of humor, his keen multifaceted intellectual curiosity and his love of history, science, literature, and geography. These interests and his love of nature all contributed to his competitive engagement at home with the "Jeopardy" show contests.

Bruce is certainly most remembered by his wife, family, friends, and acquaintances as a humble man, as well as one of the most kind, most gentle and caring souls ever known.  There is no doubt that today he would say: "Life is short…Fill it with kindness."

Many of those who knew Bruce have expressed that he had a very special way to communicate through his English-major vocabulary, his wit, his wisdom, and a calming sincerity. Today, many might readily picture him with his special 'Bruce grin' and a twinkle in his eye gratefully saying: "I have had the best life in the whole universe ……. known, ……. unknown, ……. and yet to be discovered."

Bruce's co-workers, special friends, friends of the family, and invited guests will honor Bruce's memory in private ceremonies on July 17, 2021.

The family requests that donations in Bruce's memory be sent to Department of Development, Mayo Clinic (200 First Avenue SW, Rochester, MN 55905) or to the Hiawatha Chapter of Trout Unlimited (PO Box 7064, Rochester, MN 55903).