February 11, 1953 – April 29, 2025
Tuesday morning, April 29, 2025 Bruce took his last breath at WinnMed in Decorah, Iowa. He left behind a world that will be significantly less teased, and frankly, a bit less fun.
Born in Harmony, Minnesota to Gordon and Alice Swenson, Bruce was destined to shake things up from the start because nothing says “future troublemaker” like being born in a place called Harmony. From an early age it was clear that Bruce had a knack for humor, a love for anything with a motor, and absolutely zero interest in taking life too seriously.
Known by many as somewhat of a legend, Bruce didn’t just peacefully walk through life; he rode through it, preferably on a motorcycle, fast car, Razor… you name it, and preferably fast!
After graduating high school at Harmony, Bruce married Debbie Miller on December 15, 1973, at the Lime Springs Methodist Church. They were a hard-working couple. While his wife hauled bulk milk, Bruce hauled can milk. Many were amazed at the ease he threw those full milk cans around; a trait he passed down to his son (equally a legend). They also milked 60 cows at the time. To this union, 3 children were born: Amy, Bruce, and Meagan- each of whom inherited some combination of Bruce’s sharp wit, stubborn streak, and his uncanny ability to poke fun at the exact wrong (or right) moment. When the children were younger, Bruce moved his family to north central Missouri where they were raised on a beautiful farm among dirt roads, countless animals, hard work, lots of laughter, and a little cussing when machinery would break down. After 25 years of marriage and many unforgettable memories, Bruce and “The Old Lady” divorced. Bruce then returned to his roots in Southeast Minnesota to teach his son the art of skillfully throwing around full milk cans. In his later years, Bruce enjoyed overworking himself as owner/operator of Bruce Swenson Trucking during the nice months so he could enjoy not having to be outside during the cold months-smart man!
Among his talents, the one that nobody will ever forget was his legendary ability to tell a story, mostly true, while keeping people on the edge of their seats to hear the ending. In lieu of flowers, his children ask that you tease someone you love today, in Bruce’s honor.
Bruce has 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, all of whom will grow up hearing endless stories about a man who was larger than life, quicker than most with a comeback, and never let a bad joke go untold.
Bruce is survived by his 3 children, Amy (Nick) Norton, Bruce (Holly) Swenson, Meagan (Dan) Gaul; sister Sheila (Jim) Patzner; half-brother Bill Bellows; 14 grandchildren: Brittany, Alexandra, Jacob, Braden, Logan, Lexton, Rylan, Dalin, Spencer, Emily, Natalie, Peyton, Danika, and Bruce; 4 great-grandchildren: Evelyn, Miles, Violet, and Marley; and many other loved ones, including cousins and friends.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents Gordon and Alice Swenson and brother Raymond Swenson.
Rest in peace Bruce. You were a true legend, and just like your comebacks, you’ll never be forgotten!
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