Bruce Large, age 87, of Mahnomen, MN, died on Friday, December 4, 2015, at Sanford Health, Fargo, ND.

Bruce Elwyn Large, the son of Elwyn and Valentine (Burley) Large, was born on November 20, 1928 in Valley City, ND. He was raised in Oriska, ND and attended grade school there. In 1942, Bruce and his family moved to Valley City. Following his graduation from Valley City High School in 1946, Bruce worked for a time in Alaska. He then returned and began his studies to become a teacher. He enrolled in Valley City State Teachers College and graduated in 1951, after which he was drafted into the United States Army. Bruce first served in the 101st Airborne in Breckenridge, KY before being deployed to Korea. While stationed overseas, he proudly served with the 84th Engineer battalion and built bridges on the Imjin River, the 38° parallel. He was honorably discharged in 1953 and continued his education at the University of North Dakota. In 1954 Bruce began his teaching career at the Waubun High School. He taught math and science there from 1954 until 1958. Bruce then started teaching science, chemistry and physics at the Mahnomen High School from 1958 until his retirement, nearly 30 years later, in 1986. While teaching, Bruce met the love of his life, Janice Stegman, and the couple was united in marriage on June 27, 1964. They made their home in Mahnomen and were blessed with two sons, Jeffrey and Jonathan.

In his retirement years, when asked what he was doing, Bruce would often reply "as little as possible" but truly his hands were never idle. He loved to tinker and work on little projects. He was a handyman and would attempt to fix anything. Bruce also enjoyed working with his tools and doing wood projects. Bruce and Jan loved to travel and often spent weeks at a time with their son, Jeffrey, as he worked around the United States. He cherished all of his grandchildren and the time he spent with family. Teaching was truly a passion in Bruce's heart and over the years he was involved with various teaching organizations. Bruce was a member of First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen and previously served as trustee. He was also active with the Mahnomen American Legion Issacson-Bjorge Post #31 and a Lions member.

Those he leaves behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 51 years, Janice of Mahnomen; two sons, Jeffrey (Cindy) of Bemidji, MN and Jonathan (Cindy) of Mahnomen; and four grandchildren: Gabe, Abby, Tessa, and Darci.

He was welcomed home in Heaven by his parents and his sister, Florence King.

Funeral Services were held at 11:00 am on Monday, December 7, 2015, at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen, with Pastor Julie Malone officiating. Serving as pallbearers were Dick Winkler, David Winkler, Doug Stegman, Greg Stegman, Brian Hardy, Michael Otto, Kenny Novacek, and Tom Steinolfson, as well as his grandchildren and the Mahnomen Retired Teachers. Special Music was provided by Diane Kochmann, Ann Ryan, and Brenda Tilton. Visitation was on Sunday, December 6, 2015, from 3:00pm until 5:00pm at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen. Military honors were provided by the Mahnomen American Legion Issacson-Bjorge Post #31 and the Minnesota National Guard Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to the Kidney Foundation, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society or any charity of your choice.