October 11, 1937 - October 22, 2024
Bruce A. Peterson, 87, of Eden Prairie, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Oct. 22, 2024. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends.
Bruce was born at Miller Hospital in St. Paul on Oct. 11, 1937. An only child, he was doted upon by his mother and grandmother, who lived with the family, and his father worked hard to support them as a butcher. Bruce graduated from South St. Paul High School in 1955.
Coming to faith in Christ as a young man was the axis upon which his whole life turned. After a year at Gustavus Adolphus and a later stint at the University of Minnesota, he decided college was not for him. He did not know his next step. Driving home one day, he was listening to a preacher on the radio who invited his listeners to give their lives to Jesus. Bruce pulled over, knelt on the floorboard, and did just that. Like a scene from a movie, when he walked into his house later that morning he received a phone call from the head of the Academy of Accountancy, who offered him both a spot at the school and a job at the bank that later became Norwest. He never did learn where that man got his name. Understandably, his life verses were Proverbs 3:5-6: “trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”
After graduation, he embarked on a successful business and real estate development career. He started his own business at age 40 and named it Security Development to note his eternal security in Christ and the financial security he built for his clients and employees. He helped launch the successful careers of many who are cherished friends to this day.
He was deeply involved in the Gideons, Bible Study Fellowship and the Navigators, and he always served faithfully his local churches. In the 1970s, Bruce learned one-on-one discipleship from his mentor Bob Glockner and went on to disciple over 70 men himself, many of whom discipled others in turn. That’s a lot of Perkins coffee! But more importantly a lot of spiritual encouragement and transformation.
Bruce was a loving and generous Grandpa. The family home in Bloomington was a never-ending source of summer fun in the pool, around the firepit, in the tent, jumping on the trampoline, and dressing up in costumes.
Bruce had season tickets to Gopher hockey and Timberwolves basketball, but he wasn’t really a sports fan; he was a people fan. Pouring into people was his only hobby; standing in the lobby during period breaks at the high school hockey tournament on opening Thursday and running into friends were his favorite hours of the year! He was even written up in the Star Tribune for attending the tournament for nearly every year since his first one, as an 8-year-old, when he took the street car all by himself to the old Civic Center.
Bruce was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years, Carol Peterson, and his treasured daughter, Beth Spence. He is survived by his cherished wife of 10 years, LaVonne Sorensen Peterson, and her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who were a source of joy to him; his son Dean Peterson (Lyle); his son-in-law Michael Spence (Jenny); and his adored grandchildren: James Spence (Natalie) and their daughter, Bruce’s first great-grandchild, Maeve; Philippa Breen (John); David Peterson; Oliver Spence; Mary Peterson; Lucinda Spence; John Peterson; Elizabeth Peterson; and Felicity Spence.
Simply put, Bruce was a good man. He was very generous, always anonymously, and he loved everyone unconditionally and without judgment. He truly lived out Jesus’ call to serve others. Bruce was one of those unique people whom many considered their best friend because he was an empathetic listener and graceful encourager, and he gave them his time, presence and wisdom.
Bruce will be deeply missed, but we rest secure in the knowledge God has already said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Visitation
Friday, November 8, 2024
5:00 - 7:00 PM
Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel
6527 Portland Avenue South
Richfield, Minnesota 55423
Funeral Service
Saturday, November 9, 2024
10:30 AM
Oxboro Evangelical Free Church
9431 Nicollet Avenue South
Bloomington, Minnesota 55420
Mr. Peterson was an awesome man. I was often invited to the Peterson home as Beth and Dean were off on their life’s work. As a childhood friend of Beth and Dean, I look at Mr. Peterson as a father like figure. So kind to me and to everyone.
My deep affection for this family will be with me to my mortal end and into the kingdom to come.
As our Jewish Brothers and sisters say, “May his memory be a blessing.” I know that glory has received a new resident. May God Bless Mr. Peterson’s family and friends.
Bruce was a great cheerleader and mentor for me when I first started a life of vocational ministry back in 1985. I needed cheerleaders back then, because church life was fairly new to me and I didn’t know how, or do very well to meet all the expectations.
Bruce remained a steadfast supporter in my corner. After leaving church ministry, I felt a call to para-church youth ministry. The position required raising support, and Bruce and Carol were one of the first people on our list of prospective donors.
Bruce was highly affirming of the ministry and our fit for it. But he told us he wouldn’t support us until we could show him evidence of a sound financial plan, which we didn’t have. He gave us a book by Ron Blue and paid for us to spend a weekend in a nice local hotel with the goal of reading the book and forming a plan.
We did that work, and Bruce met with me for a season of discipleship afterward. This may have been the most important input we ever got from a donor, And every time we’ve seen Bruce over the past few years, we have reminded him of the story and expressed our gratitude. To be one of the many people who directly benefited from Bruce’s Legacy is a high honor; an amazing gift from God, and we will do our best to carry-on that legacy.
What wonderful memories. I can recall traveling with Bruce to visit his strip mall businesses that he was so proud of, in Duluth and Wisconsin. It was not just the seeing his strip mall, but the conversations we had while we traveled there. He knew all the ins and outs of the finances that made these things work. His relationships with other fellow business associates, who also became close friends, remained strong.
Bruce and Carol were always interested in what was going on in our family, asking “how was Lois, Diane and Kevin, Paul and Nancy, and David.”
I was also a recipient of some of the season tickets he had of the MN Gophers Hockey and the Timberwolves. Bruce would call up and say on a Tuesday or Friday night, “I’ve got these tickets, I know it’s late, but would you like to join me to go to this game? I’ll pick you up.” I told him yes, mainly, because there would be more opportunity for meaningful conversations.
These are some of the memories that come to mind about my friend, Bruce Peterson, but most important to me is his faith in God and his Savior, Jesus Christ, and leading others to this same belief.
Bruce, you are the brother I never had and I will miss you.
I am so sorry about your Dad. I am sure he was a loving wonderful Dad. Our prayer are with you. Take care❤️
Art and I were saddened to hear Bruce had passed away. We were neighbors at Fslcons Way and enjoyed dinner with both Bruce and La Vonne and many wonderful talks about his faith and his business at the strip mall. He was an inspiration to all who knew him, he will be missed. Annabelle and Art Thelemann
Our condolences from Ambleside San Angelo TX.
Bruce started mentoring me in 1979. We met at Perkins or The Decathlon Club every two weeks. We studied the Bible together and in addition he taught me in many ways how to be a Christian man (by his example). We also became friends and stayed in touch over the years. He will be missed by many. Though I look forward to seeing him again.
If my brother, Bruce had lived to be a thousand years and left me behind, I would still be Sad
I find it had to refer to my Brother in the past tense, for I believe he is alive , only his body is dead. Glory to God is the only credit my brother would take . To that;
My brother, Glory to God :
You lifted me
You carried me
You fed me
You house me
You freed me from prison
You confated me –
I can not name it all
Glory to God says it all
To me brother Bruce you are not dead.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints”
Psalm 116:15
Great man, greater, still, the God he loved!
My condolences, may God be with his family
Bruce was a true warrior for the work of Jesus Christ. We attended so many great men’s meeting with Bruce as our mentor. His wife was always so welcoming of our studies and a true friend to all of us. The memories are awesome and full of joy.
Love speaks loudly to Bruce and the family.
Timothy Workman