Bruce Irving Anderson was born on September 17, 1951, in Clarkfield, Minnesota to Irving and Harriet (Hanson) Anderson and was baptized and confirmed at Clarkfield Lutheran Church. He passed away peacefully on August 13, 2024, at his home in Clarkfield at the age of 72.

He attended and graduated from Clarkfield High School in 1969.  He furthered his education at both Willmar Community College and Mankato State University, graduating in 1976. On June 8, 1974, Bruce married Alvina Stringer at Clarkfield Lutheran Church. They raised their three children, Alecia, Sarah and Jonathan, on the farm southwest of Clarkfield.  Over the years Bruce farmed with his father until deciding to pursue a teaching degree from Southwest State University.  Bruce went on to teach and coach for 30+ years at Clarkfield, Yellow Medicine East and Echo Charter Schools.

Bruce had a love for sports which blossomed into a lifelong passion.  He participated in various sports in both high school and college including football, basketball, wrestling and softball with decades of coaching and inspiring athletes to follow.  He believed in building character, friendships, discipline, and resilience leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.  He was more than a coach; he was a mentor and friend to many.

Bruce had several hobbies and cherished spending time with his family and many friends.  He loved playing softball, spending weekends at the lake, golfing, and wood working.  He will be remembered for his kindness, endless sense of humor and the countless bean bag boards that he crafted for so many.

Most notable was his commitment to family.  In 2003, after 28 years of marriage, Bruce lost the love of his life, Alvina to cancer. Never forgetting her, he went on to build wonderful memories with his children and grandchildren.  He absolutely loved vacationing with and traveling to the grandkids' events and milestones.  His love and devotion to family was unwavering, always offering support, wisdom and encouragement.

Bruce is survived by his children, Alecia Malek and her children with Ty, Darren and Adrian; Sarah (Darren) Manthey and their children Blake, Nathan and Morgan; Jonathan (Amy) Anderson and their children Macy, Miles and Mia; brother, Brian Anderson, as well as many wonderful friends.

Preceding him in death was his loving wife, Alvina Anderson, and parents, Irving and Harriet Anderson.

All services honoring Bruce will be held at Clarkfield Lutheran Church. Visitation with the family will be held on Saturday, August 24, from 5 to 7 PM, with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 PM, and continue on Sunday, August 25, from 1 to 2 PM, followed by the memorial service at 2 PM. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials can be made in memory of Bruce to the Clarkfield Area Ambulance, PO Box 237, Clarkfield, MN 56223, to further support their services in the community.

Clarkfield EMS
PO Box 237, Clarkfield MN 56223