Bruce Lawrence Gronvold, age 55, passed peacefully on March 19, 2017 at his home in Barton, ND after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a true warrior and motivated by those surrounding him, with love and support.

Bruce was born December 27, 1961. He is the son of Victor and Theresa (Mattern) Gronvold and the youngest son of their 5 children. He grew up on the family farm in Barton and was baptized and confirmed in the Barton Lutheran Church.  He graduated from Rugby High School, Class of 1981. During his High School years, he was known for his remarkable speed as he devoted his entire years playing football and sprinting track for the Rugby Panthers. You will see his State Champion banner for both the 100 and 200 yard dash, hanging in the RHS gymnasium.  He proudly went on to play football for the NDSU Bison on a Scholarship his Parents were so proud of. Bruce was a running back and wide receiver for the Bison in 1981 and 1982. He was even part of NDSU’s ’81 national championship game. Continuing his support for the Bison was very important to Bruce.  He attended 4 of the 5 national championship games in Frisco, TX. He even made the most recent trip to Iowa, in NDSUs upset over the Hawkeyes.

It was at NDSU where he met his Soul Mate, Lori Ann Lizakowski, whom he married on November 5, 1983 at Barton Lutheran Church. They happily chose to move back to help Victor and Theresa on the farm and eventually took over. Together they were blessed with 7 children, followed by 5 grandchildren. He was so proud of all his kids and loved every second of being a grandpa.  Bruce had a strong passion for his family farm. He led by example, showing his children the importance of hard work, dedication, honesty, and Church on Sundays. Bruce was busy from sun up to sun down, but made sure his family truly lived through fishing, hunting, biking, and relaxing at Lake Metigoshe.  Bruce was a cherished husband, father, grandpa, son, brother, and friend to many.  He found a special way to impact those around him. Bruce was always there to lend a helping hand and his humor could brighten anyone’s day. He had a smile that was contagious and a laugh that could not be beat. We all will miss Bruce dearly but know deep down he is with us in spirit. His legacy will continue with everyone he shared his life with.

Bruce is survived by his Mother, Theresa; his wife, Lori; 7 children, Brandilyn (Matt) Stockdale, Cody (Kaylee) Gronvold, Morgan (Drew) Holmgren, Maverick, Victor, Whitney and Logan; siblings, Sheila (Gil) Harper, Archie (Fern) Gronvold and Bonnie Voeller; 5 Grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his Father, Victor and his Brother Tom.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 25^th at the First Lutheran Church in Rugby with spring burial in the East Barton Lutheran Cemetery, Barton.  Pastor Sharon Baker, officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.