Rev. Steven Allen Bruer, 66, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Detroit Lakes on June 6, 2024. Born on December 30, 1957, in Alberta, MN, he was the beloved son of Myron and Joan Bruer. He was one of four cherished siblings.
Steven grew up on the farm in Alberta, MN. He graduated from Alberta High School in 1976. He attended Golden Valley Lutheran College from 1977 to 1978 and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Arts. In 1982, he graduated from NDSU with a Bachelor of Science and Agriculture. Steven had many jobs prior to going into ministry. He worked for the City of Fargo driving a garbage truck. He held supervisory roles at both a beauty supply warehouse and within the warehouse operations of Benson Furniture. Steven also worked at Rogginsack Insulation Company. During this time, he met Jane Sell and in August of 1987, they were joined in marriage. It wasn’t until 1988, when they moved to the cities, that he began his studies at Lutheran Northwestern Seminary, obtaining his Master of Divinity degree. While completing seminary, his daughters were born, Rachael in September of 1989 and Leana in May of 1991. He completed his internship at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye and was mentored by Pastor Ron Freimark. He was officially ordained on June 7, 1992.
Steven’s first calling was in 1992 in Odin where he served at Zion Lutheran and St. Olaf Lutheran Church for nine years. He later received his second call where the Lord brought him to Menahga in November of 2001. He served at Bethany Lutheran Church, First English Lutheran Church, and later added Friends in Christ. Steven and Jane then moved out of Menahga in June of 2017. Steven found his 3rd calling in Detroit Lakes and was installed at Lund Lutheran Church in June of 2018, where he served until his death. Steven was a devoted servant of the Lord, known for his unwavering faith, compassionate heart, and tireless dedication to his congregations and community. He served for 32 years.
Steven was deeply involved in various community and extracurricular activities, including the Lions Club and actively supporting his daughters’ athletics. He assisted in coaching high school football, girls’ basketball, girls’ softball, and VFW baseball. Additionally, he was a dedicated member of the NDSU Team Makers. If you knew Steven, you knew he bled purple and gold for the Minnesota Vikings and green and gold for the NDSU Bison (NOT Packers). He loved his sports (coaching, watching, and cheering-especially yelling “That’s another Bison FIRST DOWN ’ and “You bet, you bet”). He was proud of his Norwegian heritage and never turned away from a plate of lutefisk. He especially cherished his role as “Papa”, finding immense pride and joy in spending time with his three granddaughters, Nora, Greta, and Ruby. He also loved his granddog, Molly, often buying special treats and toys when he watched her.
He is survived by his wife: Jane Bruer of Detroit Lakes, MN; two children: Rachael Towers (Daniel) of Hawley, MN and Leana Nelson (Matthew) of Brainerd, MN; three grandchildren: Nora Towers, Greta Towers, and Ruby Nelson; his father: Myron Bruer of Morris, MN; his siblings: Randy (Kristi) Bruer of Fisher, MN, Maria (Tim) Regnier of Hawley, MN and Connie (Joel) Maier of Brooklyn Park, MN; and multiple nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother: Joan Bruer; parents-in-law Edmund and Alvina Sell; and two brothers-in-law: Duane Sell and Robert Dulek.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, from 5-7 PM. at David-Donehower Funeral and Cremation Service in Detroit Lakes, MN with a prayer service at 6:30 PM. A funeral service will be held on Thursday June 13, 2024, at 11 AM at Community Alliance Church in Detroit Lakes, MN. Burial service will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 12 PM at Frog Lake Cemetery in Alberta, MN.
The family requests that you wear your favorite NDSU Bison or MN Vikings gear to the visitation to honor Steve.
Steven often reminded us, “God is good, all the time and all the time, God is good.” May his words continue to bring comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.
