Bruce Griewe of Gary, MN, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved him dearly.
These few paragraphs cannot hold a life, but they may carry a memory.
Bruce held deeply to the Lutheran faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
The community of faith holds its own well — and Bruce was held.
Watch Bruce's Prayer Service Here
Watch Bruce's Funeral Here
Bruce Allan Griewe, age 73, of Gary, Minnesota, passed away unexpectantly on April 24, 2026 on his family farm, leaving behind a life defined by love, hard work, laughter, and deep devotion to his family.
Bruce was born on April 17, 1953, to Herbert and Corrine (Hanson) Griewe, and was raised on a small family farm in rural Gary where his lifelong passion for farming, raising cattle, and hunting first took root. Bruce was baptized and later confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church. He attended high school in Gary, Minnesota, graduating with the class of 1971, where he met the love of his life, Denise (Hagy) Griewe. With his unmistakable charm, good looks, and playful, prankster spirit, he won the heart of a young girl who once was called to the city life, happily bringing her back to the country he so dearly loved.
Bruce and Denise were united in marriage on September 10, 1977, beginning a partnership built on laughter, resilience, and unwavering love.
Bruce and Denise began their life together milking cows, building their farm and family side by side. In 2012, they made the decision to sell their dairy cows so they could take their first trip to Mexico. Following that chapter, Bruce transitioned into raising beef cattle, continuing the work he loved in a new way. After forty-eight years together, their bond remained strong, deep, enduring, and at times beautifully childlike. They especially loved to dance, and when the two of them took to the floor, most often to a lively polka, they lit up the room.
A lifelong farmer, Bruce simply didn't know how to slow down. Even at age 73, he maintained a cattle operation, raised crops, and cared for three farmsteads. He cherished early mornings, often taking quiet drives around the block, soaking in the peace of the countryside he loved so dearly. On the very morning of his passing, he had been out early, setting gopher traps, doing what he had always loved to do.
Bruce and Denise raised four children on the family farm, where he instilled in them the values of hard work, perseverance, and a deep appreciation for family and the outdoors. He led by example, showing them not only how to work, but how to live, with humor, grit, and heart.
He had a deep love for sports and the community that came with them. He played softball for many years, building lasting friendships and treasured memories. He enjoyed bowling, playing cards, and was well known as the "joker" at the table, quick with his banter and always determined to outwit his opponents. As a father, he was unwavering in his support, never missing a game, whether it was watching his son play football or his daughters play basketball, even if it meant milking cows late into the night afterward. He later became an assistant basketball coach for his two youngest daughters, where his determination, humor, and passion left a lasting impact not only on his girls, but on every player he coached.
Hunting was one of Bruce's greatest passions, and he found his greatest joy in sharing it with his family and his close hunting companion, Roger. Whether in the fields or the woods, those moments together became lifelong memories.
Despite the demands of farm life, Bruce always made time for fun. Even after hip surgery, he could still out-sneak and out-run the grandchildren in a spirited game of kick-the-can at midnight, proof that his playful spirit never faded.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Denise; four children, Wendy (Jesse) Thymian of Moorhead, MN, Nathan (Rita) Griewe of rural Gary, MN, Jessica (Chad) McCaslin of Moorhead, MN, and Ashley Griewe of rural Gary, MN; seven grandchildren, Bryce, Ava, Carter, Hunter, Logan, Parker, and Peyton; one sister, Bonnie (Gene) Werpy; two aunts, Gladys Klucas and Ruth Ann Adkins, and one uncle, Floyd Hanson; along with many nieces and nephews and extended family members.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, one sister-in-law, Connie Bennefeld, one nephew, Nicholas Werpy, and many extended family members.
Bruce will be remembered as a devoted husband, a proud father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. His kindness, humor, and unwavering work ethic touched all who knew him. While he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on in the stories, laughter, and cherished memories he leaves behind.
A visitation will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm, with a prayer service at 6:30pm, at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley.A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 11:00am, with visitation an hour prior, at the St. John's Green Meadow Lutheran Church, rural Ada, MN. Interment will be held at the St. John's Cemetery, rural Ada.
