Larry Bruse

Larry Wayne Bruse, 80, Bismarck, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 5 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, December 4 at Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck.

Burial will be held at Sterling Union Cemetery, Sterling.

Larry was born on January 14, 1945, in Litchville, ND, the son of Gerhardt and Evelyn (Zuraff) Bruse. The family moved to Sterling, ND where they farmed and later moved to Bismarck where Larry began work in the trucking industry. On April 16, 1966, he married Eileen Wald, in Strasburg, ND. Together they built a full and loving life, raising their three daughters—Sherry, Sheila, and Lori—and supporting one another through every season of life.

Larry spent his career in the trucking industry, working as a driver and later as a dispatcher. With dedication and determination, he built and operated his own business, L & E Trucking, a testament to his strong work ethic and commitment to providing for his family.

Larry is survived by his wife, Eileen; daughters, Sherry (Gary) Schell, Rapid City, SD; Sheila (Paul) Schumacher, Mandan, and Lori (Curt) Girard, Bismarck; his granddaughters, Macy Wright and Kendra Schell; and by his granddog, Oakley, who was always happy to see Papa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerhardt and Evelyn (Zuraff) Bruse; parents-in-law, Pete and Elizabeth (Mathern) Wald; his sister, Dorothy Cayce; nephew, Blaine Voightman; and son-in-law, Rusty Wright.

Larry loved monitoring the weather and took great pride in keeping his lawn perfectly manicured—something he tended to with unwavering attention.

Those who knew Larry best understood his salty personality and appreciated the honesty and humor that often came with it. Known for being opinionated and stubborn, he also had a deep and unmistakable heart for his family. Beneath the gruff exterior was a man who showed his love through consistency, hard work, and the fierce loyalty he held for those closest to him. If you listen quietly, you might just hear him whistling his favorite tune and the change jingling in his pocket.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Steven Hamar and his nurse Nancy at Essentia Health. Dr. Hamar knew how to handle Larry’s quirky humor and nurse Nancy provided the best hugs. The family also wants to thank the girls at Gateway Sunrise Pharmacy – he enjoyed seeing your faces as often as he did! Lastly, a special thank you to neighbors Dennis and Rita Mastel for their friendship and care.

Larry’s legacy lives on in the hearts of his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him.