Bruce Lawlar Middaugh

Memorial Service: https://vimeo.com/948345250

Tribute Video: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/72W6FYGYNX9JXRK7

Bruce L. Middaugh of Lake Park, MN, passed away at his home peacefully on Friday, May 10, 2024.

Bruce was born on February 19, 1953, in Minot, ND to Harry and Dorothy (Lawlar) Middaugh. He grew up on the family farm and attended Lansford schools. Graduating from Lansford High School, Bruce was Valedictorian of the Class of '71. Bruce attended North Dakota State University graduating with a BS in Agriculture Economics. Later, he furthered his education and earned an MBA from the University of North Dakota.

Bruce met his wife, Lorrie, when she rented an apartment in his 4-plex in Minot. Before she even moved into the apartment, he raised the rent because he was going to put new carpeting in. Although the rent was increased, Bruce married Lorrie Holte on July 10, 1981, in Minot.

Bruce and Lorrie had two boys, Scott and Reid. Family activities included camping, weekends at the lake, snowmobiling, skiing, and sporting activities. Later, Bruce and Lorrie enjoyed hosting the boys and their friends at the lake.

Bruce began his professional career at Production Credit Association in Minot as a Loan Officer. In 1993, Bruce and family moved to Fargo and Bruce began the Succession and Retirement Planning services for AgCountry Farm Credit Services. He thoroughly enjoyed building relationships and working with farmers and their families. Bruce was a loyal employee and gave 39 years of service with the same company. Not knowing how to stay busy in retirement, Bruce continued working part time for Town & Country Credit Union until the fall of 2018.

The farm life was never too far away from Bruce. He continued to enjoy being a part of the family farm. Bruce gave his all while working cattle-even when finding himself under the cattle panel with the weight of a bull on top. He enjoyed Saturday evening crop tours, monitoring the cattle and fences, and taking in the farm life. "You can take the boy off the farm, but you can't take the farm out of the boy."

One of Bruce's life goals was to acquire a lake home and a southern home. He enjoyed taking pride in his lake home and Arizona home by keeping them well maintained with manicured landscaping. Every spring he looked forward to filling the flowerpots with flowers and planting the garden. His vegetable garden at the lake was a hit among the neighbors-keeping them supplied with tomatoes, cucumbers, and beets. Bruce was structured-even with his walks. He reached 10,000 steps daily. He loved going with the Hiking and Walking Clubs in Arizona. Evening pontoon rides with family and friends were a hit. He enjoyed pulling grandchildren on the tube. He drove his classic cars once a week and entered them into the Cormorant Car Show every year.

Bruce was generous with his time and talents, not only in his work, but to the church; Cormorant Lions; Middle Cormorant Lake Association; Freemason; and Minot Jaycees to name a few. He was always ready to extend a helping hand. He always greeted friends and family with "hi sweetie" or "hello handsome."

Bruce is survived by wife, Lorrie (Holte) Middaugh, Lake Park, MN; sons, Scott (Mandi) Middaugh, Fargo; Reid (Katie Haney) Middaugh, Fargo; sister, Joan (Gregg) Schlaht, Tea, SD. Mother-in-law Lupe (Bob) Obert, Minot, ND. Sister-in-law Deb (Brian) Fauske, Minot, ND; Brother-in-law Cameron (Kim Dixon-Rodin) Holte, Sr., Powers Lake, ND. Grandchildren Cora and Oscar Middaugh; Harlow and Summit Middaugh. Nieces and nephews Drew (Tina) Middaugh, Mandan, ND; Amy (Braedon) Petersen, Deadwood, SD; Grant (Kelsey Barstad) Schlaht, Slayton, MN; Cameron (Bri Peterson) Holte, Jr., and Connor Holte, Powers Lake, ND.

He is preceded in death by parents, Harry and Dorothy (Lawlar) Middaugh; brother, Rodney Middaugh; and father-in-law Howard Holte; and sister-in-law Angie Holte.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, May 20, at 11:00 a.m. at Cormorant Lutheran Church, 13214 Co. Hwy 4, Lake Park, MN and will be livestreamed on the funeral home website. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 20, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church. No viewing will take place.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to Fargo First United Methodist Church (906 1st Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103), the Cormorant Lutheran Church (14314 Co Hwy 4 Lake Park, MN 56554), or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home - Fargo, ND