Bruce Oldenburg, age 81, of Glendive, passed away on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings surrounded by his family.
Bruce was born in Tyler, Minnesota to Louie and Betty (Newton) Oldenburg on July 16, 1939, the oldest of three children. His early education years were completed in rural Minnesota. At the age of 15, Bruce moved with his family to Glendive and entered DCHS as a Sophomore. During his High School days, he ran track and placed second in the Mile at the State Meet, holding the school record for a number of years. Bruce loved working on cars and was a self-taught mechanic. He turned his hobby into a profession working for Milne Implement for over 30 years before his retirement in 2002. Bruce married Elaine Goosen in July of 1963 and to this union, two daughters were born: Becky and Bobbie.
Bruce was very active all his life, even crawling up on the roof to replace a shingle a week before he passed. He loved watching his grandsons at sporting events and enjoyed fishing and bowling. Bruce enjoyed teaching the people around him about anything and everything. His family and friends would say that he was patient and kind in any circumstance.
Bruce was preceded in death by: his parents, Louie and Betty Oldenburg, father and mother-in-law, John and Cedelia Goosen, and brothers-in-law, Melvin Miller, Delmar Goosen, and Budd Staehnke.
Bruce is survived by: his wife of 58 years, Elaine, daughter Becky Smith of Watford City, ND, daughter Bobbie Herreid (Troy) of Chandler, AZ, grandson Dillon Bruce Smith (Christina) of Spearfish, SD, grandson, Tate Herreid of Chandler, AZ, sister, Fayette Miller of Glendive, brother, Francis Butch (Joann) Oldenburg of Coon Rapids, MN, sister-in-law, Jane Staehnke of Glendive, Sister-in-law, Marilyn Goosen of Phoenix, AZ, and many nieces and nephews.
Bruce will be buried at Dawson County Cemetery at 2 PM on Wednesday April 21st. A viewing will be held for any who wish to pay their respects in the cemetery chapel from 11 AM to 2 PM on the same day.
Tammy Dey says
Elaine, Becky, Bobbie and families- I’m so sorry for your loss of Bruce. He was an awesome guy and like a second dad to me. We will forever cherish our memories of him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. He will be missed. RIP BRUCE!
Rick Krohn says
My deepest sympathy to the Oldenburg family; Elaine, Becky and Bobbi. God’s richest blessings to you all!
Tyler Pust says
Elaine
Sorry about your loss
KYLE MILNE says
I am so sorry to hear about Bruce, I feel fortunate to have worked with him for several years. He brought so much to the business. He possessed such a easy going demeaner, I can’t count the number of times he would listen to the problem from a customer and sometimes from a co-worker and then politely listen to their diagnosis and even their way to repair it. Little did they know Bruce was already three or four steps ahead of them. He just needed them to get out of his way. He also would end several conversations no matter what the topic, again he would let everyone say their piece then close with some facts and figures which usually were never challenged.
How’s it going Bruce? Gotta Go!
Becky Tipton says
Elaine and Family
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Cherish your Memories and Hold them Close!
Becky Tipton
Peggy Marvin says
Elaine,Becky and Bobbie,I’m so sorry to hear about Bruce.We all knew he was a great and patient man and so soft spoken. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Jerry and Donna Buxbaum says
Elaine,Becy and Bobbi we are so sorry to learn of Bruce’s death.
Bruce was a Kind gentle man and great life time friend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sending hugs and love.
Steve Hanke says
Deepest sympathies to the Oldenburg family from the Hanke family. I have very fond memories of being a young boy and going fishing and hunting with my dad (Mike Hanke) and Bruce, watching the adults play pinochle at Oldenburg’s home, great times were always had. After leaving Montana and moving to Utah my dad often told stories about adventures he and Bruce had taken. Also remember Bruce’s parents coming to Utah with my grandpa (Oscar Hanke) for fishing trips and picking apples in the fall. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.