Bruce James Winters, 72, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Hospital – Saint Marys Campus.

Bruce was born on November 12, 1953, in Rochester, Minnesota, to Benjamin and Donis (Pretzer) Winters. When he was just 10 months old, his mother wrote in his baby book, “Brucie is a real live wire.” He spent the rest of his life proving those words true. Full of curiosity, determination, and an adventurous spirit, Bruce lived life on his own terms and inspired those around him to do the same.

He graduated from John Marshall High School in 1972 and married Jean A. Karnitz on September 22, 1973, at Peace United Church of Christ. They began their married life in Rochester, spent a brief time in Plainview, and eventually returned to Rochester, where they raised their two children, Lisa and Luke, creating a home filled with love, hard work, laughter, and family.

Bruce worked as a truck driver at Quast Transfer and Lakeville Motor Express before pursuing his entrepreneurial spirit by owning and operating his own pallet business, later partnering with his brother. He deeply believed in the dignity of an honest day’s work. A lifelong tinkerer, treasure hunter, recycler, and unapologetic dumpster diver, he could fix almost anything. His garage was legendary, filled with tools, collections, and treasures, and no one ever left

empty-handed—he always seemed to have exactly what you were looking for. Bruce simply saw possibility where others saw junk.

Bruce was a character of a man and a man of great character. Though strong and determined, he also had a gentle heart. He believed in helping others, standing beside the underdog, and seeing people’s gifts instead of their faults. Bruce found peace sitting quietly in the woods, watching and listening to wildlife. He loved planting trees, caring for animals, mushroom hunting, collecting rocks, and looking up at the night sky. He shared his love of the outdoors through camping, fishing, and hunting trips, teaching his children and grandchildren to slow down and notice the beauty around them.

Bruce found his greatest joy in his family, especially being Grandpa to Ellery, Quinn, and Shea. He cherished the countless hours they spent together exploring his collections, playing games, sharing stories, and making memories. Bruce also enjoyed golf cart rides, watching old westerns, taking trips up north with friends, and spending time perched on a bar stool solving the world’s problems. His family will forever remember the countless ways he showed his love through acts of service.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife of nearly 53 years, Jean Winters of Rochester; his daughter, Elizabeth Winters (Sean Collins) of Rochester; his son, Lucas Winters of Rochester; his brothers, Ben (Carole) Winters and Brian (Cheryl) Winters; his grandchildren, Ellery, Quinn, and Shea

Collins; and his beloved dog, Rosie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Donis Winters.

Bruce’s life reminds us that treasure isn’t always something you find—it is something you create through the love you give and the life you choose to live. He will be deeply missed and forever loved. Find a special rock, fix something with duct tape, plant a tree, reuse something in a new way, and think of Bruce.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bruce's life at a Celebration of Life on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Rochester Eagles Club. A short service will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception.