Bruce Niehoff

Bruce Niehoff, age 68 of Osakis died on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019 at the U of M Hospital in Minneapolis, MN after a brave fight against lymphoma.

Bruce joined the Niehoff family on October 25, 1950 in Sauk Centre, MN.  He was born to parents, Raymond and Helen (Braun) Niehoff.  After graduating in 1969 from Sauk Centre High School, Bruce entered the U S Navy during the Vietnam War.  He saw active duty aboard the USS Camden and received the National Defense Service medal, the Vietnam Campaign and Service medals, the Meritorious Unit Commendation and Navy Unit Commendation.  After his honorable discharge in 1976, Bruce went to work in Minneapolis for the J C Penney and IDS companies.  On February 28, 1976, Bruce was united in marriage to Ruth Maher at the Immaculate Conception Church in Osakis, MN.  He began helping out at his brother’s restaurant in Osakis called the Sportsmen’s Café as a cook.  Shortly after, in 1977 he and Ruth purchased the café and operated it for over twenty years.  Many games of dice were played at the tables in Curly’s café over the years.  Bruce continued as a cook at the Palmer House Restaurant in Sauk Centre and also at Club 29 in Carlos, before taking a job in the kitchens at Nelson Gables in Alexandria.  After finally hanging up his apron, Bruce found a great ‘outdoor’ job by helping to coach the Osakis High School Golf teams.  It was a rewarding end to many years in service to others.

Bruce was a life member of the Osakis VFW Post # 7902.  In addition, he had belonged to the Osakis Chamber of Commerce, the Osakis Lions Club and the Osakis Country Club board.  He loved to get out on the links and was just as happy to be back in the clubhouse making jokes and shooting the breeze with his friends.  He was a devoted sports fan, especially for the Vikings and Twins, playing on various bowling teams and in later years, playing fantasy football.  Bruce and Ruth enjoyed traveling and making various casino trips.  He liked to go motorcycling, snowmobiling and in the summer months, keeping his yard mowed just right.

He will be remembered as a kind, upbeat and generous husband, father and an especially proud Grandpa who will live on in the hearts of his family and many friends.

Left to mourn his passing is his wife, Ruth Niehoff of Osakis; children, Lindsay (Mike) Kugel of Osakis, Kim Niehoff of Osakis, Brittany (Brennan) Michaels of Bellvue, WA; 5 grandchildren, Hunter, Hayleigh and Mia Niehoff, Aria and Hadley Kugel; siblings, Jim Niehoff of Osakis, Marsha (Mark) DeVine of Breckinridge and Brian (Marie) Niehoff of Osakis; many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Paula Niehoff.

Funeral services for Bruce are planned for Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church in Osakis with Fr. Dave Petron officiating.  Interment is at the Calvary Cemetery with pallbearers, Clayton Niehoff, Caleb DeVine, Brian Helberg, Rick Loxtercamp, Mike Bowman and Jordan Harth.  Honorary bearers are Dennis Lang, John Thein, Neil Ranum, Mike Lystad, Justen Brown, Neuman Olson, John Winters, Duane Braun and the Osakis Boys and Girls Golf teams.

Military honors are provided by the Osakis VFW Honor Guard and the U S Navy Honor Guard.

Arrangements by the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis, MN.