R. Bruce Buchanan, 1923-2019

Published 1:00 am Saturday, December 21, 2019

A memorial service for R. Bruce Buchanan will be at 2 p.m. Dec. 28 at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home. Visitation will be 4 to 7  p.m. Friday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and for one hour prior to services.

R. Bruce Buchanan

R. Bruce Buchanan was born May 11, 1923, on his family’s farm near Gordonsville to S. Ross and Mabel (Gullickson)Buchanan.

On March 18, 1944, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Rhoades at United Methodist Church in Glenville. The couple made their home on the family farm.

Bruce passed away Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, having lived to reach the age of 96.

Bruce was a member of United Methodist Church in Gordonsville, where he volunteered for all church positions. When the Gordonville church closed, he joined United Methodist Church in Albert Lea.

Bruce and Dorothy were marriage enrichment leaders for 22 years, touching many lives. He also volunteered at St. John’s Lutheran Community, sharing his many woodworking skills. After retiring from farming, Bruce started his woodworking passion. He made many projects over the years and enjoyed giving them as gifts to family and friends. Many hours were spent working on puzzles and playing cards.

Bruce is survived by his sons Ron (Sharon), Paul (Renee’) and Gary (Val); daughter, Laurie Sistek; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; his parents; brother; Wilbur Buchanan; and sisters Arcley Johnson and Arlene Olson