St. Olaf College | St. Olaf Alumni

Bruce Helland ’71

Bruce G. Helland, of Nisswa, Minn., formally of Austin, Minn., passed away peacefully July 12, 2014, at his sister’s home. Bruce was born Feb. 22, 1949 in Milwaukee, to Gordon and Darlene Johnson Helland. He graduated from Austin High School, and then went on and graduated from St. Olaf College. Bruce worked in Minneapolis and Marshall, Minn., in retail as a merchandise buyer until retiring to his “cabin” in Nisswa. He enjoyed his life at the lake, working in his flower garden, weeding the lake for the perfect beach, and spending time with his dog, Elly. Bruce’s cabin was always open to family and friends for time away.

He is survived by his mother, Darlene Helland; two sisters, Barb Neubauer and husband Jerry, and Beth Wood; one brother, Brian Helland; eight nieces and nephews, Sherry Oeltjenbruns and husband Jim, Brett Neubauer, Wade Neubauer and wife Bridget, David Helland and wife Beth, Ben Helland, Daniel Helland, Tom Wood, and Alison Wood; and 13 great-nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father; brother-in-law, Thomas Wood; and canine companions, Bummer and Lacey.