Bruce Bunnell

Funeral Services for Bruce W. Bunnell of Albert Lea will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, February 24 at New Life Christian Church in Albert Lea.  The Reverend Vern Harris will officiate.  Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. on Sunday at Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea, and one hour before services at the church.

Bruce was led home by Christ on Wednesday, February 19 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.  He was 80 years old.

He was born on June 10, 1939, in Minneapolis, MN., the son of Lester and Marian (Schmidt) Bunnell.

Bruce attended Rochester Schools.  He started working at a bakery washing pans and discovered his lifelong career as a baker.

He moved to Albert Lea to work for Boyd and Jack’s bakery and shortly thereafter he met and fell in love with Helen Hanson.  They started their life together on August 22, 1965 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea.  They were blessed with two children Kris and Kevin.

He became manager of Boyd and Jack’s bakery, then purchased Swen’s Danish Bakery at Skyline Mall. Later, they purchased their own building, operating it as Bunnell’s Donut Hut and Bakery for almost 30 years before retiring.

Bruce was a member of Albert Lea Church of Christ (now New Life Christian) where he was baptized on August 13, 1983.

He enjoyed watching TV, old cars and motorcycles, camping and traveling in the RV with Helen, and the companionship of his dear pup Dixie.  One of his favorite past times was being on his computer; sending and receiving emails, getting conversations going about religion and politics, listening to music, and keeping up on current events.

He will be remembered for his strong relationship with Christ.

Bruce is survived by his wife Helen, daughter Kris (Jon) Battleson, son Kevin Bunnell, grandchildren Christopher Renchin (Natalie), Cory (Shaunee) Renchin, Landon, Nicolas and Finnley Bunnell, all of Albert Lea; sister Barbara (Louie) Linsmeyer of Pembine, WI, Jean (Francis) Severson of Grand Meadow, MN, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lester Bunnell and Marian Bunnell, his in-laws Edwin and Palma Hanson, and a brother Lester “Bubs” Bunnell Jr. (Sonny).