Bruce N Telander

Telander, Bruce N. Bruce died April 13th, leaving an indelible mark, the result of a life centered on faith, family and the many good friends who will remember him as the man who always made them smile. He died on his 81st birthday. Bruce grew up in St. Paul, where he developed a wonderful balance between family, work and play. He began his career at the age of nine, caddying at neighboring Somerset Country Club. He promptly rose in the ranks to become Somerset's shoeshine boy and groundskeeper, tending to the greens often late at night after school, homework and hockey practice were done. He and his father, Maurice, won many Somerset annual father-son golf championships in the years to come, beginning a lifelong love affair with the Club (and golf). Five decades later, the once-caddy and maintenance man served as Somerset's president. Most important to Bruce was the scholarship he co-founded with the late Tom Garrett III for Somerset employees. After graduating from South St. Paul High School in 1952, Bruce began his freshman year at the University of Minnesota. He pledged Chi Psi Fraternity and pursued his dream of skating on the Gopher Men's Hockey team. His coach, the late John Mariucci, gently but strongly encouraged him to trade in his skates for a managerial position. Truly a team player, Bruce poured his talent into organizing the team and earned his athletic letter as the varsity manager until his graduation from the University's School of Management in 1956. His love of Gopher Hockey never waned. Bruce purchased his first season tickets that year, and held them for 59 consecutive years, holding the prized number-one seating priority at the time he died. Luckily Bruce took a few minutes away from the rink to court his future wife Barbara Johnson - a fellow Gopher. They were married shortly after graduation, and have three daughters, Terri, Traci (John Carron) and Toni (Lee Fowler), as well as four grandchildren, Calen, Abigael, Brady and Kaya. Bruce, together with his good friend, the late George Lyon, never stopped working for Gopher Hockey. The two young men began a formal recruitment program, traveling - sometimes hitchhiking - throughout Minnesota to find outstanding players to receive fully-funded Gopher Hockey scholarships. Their visionary, quiet leadership continued as they co-founded the Blue Line Club, the Olympic Hockey Development League - a summer program offered to outstanding collegiate hockey players - and the Balcony Club, the very first booster clubs for men's hockey in Minnesota. These organizations continue to be significant contributors to Gopher Men's Hockey today. A longtime board member, Bruce also served as president of the University's "M" Club in 1972. He co-chaired the Major Gifts Division of the campaign to build Mariucci Arena and also directed its construction. More recent involvements included coordination of Gopher Hockey's 75th Anniversary celebration and the current Mariucci Arena renovation. This spring, Bruce celebrated 55 years of distinguished service with Cobb, Strecker, Dunphy & Zimmermann, a Minneapolis-based construction insurance/surety bond agency. As chairman, he was the embodiment of integrity and trust; he had the quiet and patient strength of a resolute leader and an unbelievable commitment to employees and clients alike. The building of strong friendships and solid relationships meant everything to him and will forever define his legacy at CSDZ. He established a vibrant corporate succession plan to serve future generations. Bruce was initially drawn to Mount Olivet Lutheran Church of Minneapolis by the inspired sermons of the late Senior Pastor Paul Youngdahl (affectionately known as "The Big Guy"), and he quickly began many years of active service there. His enthusiasm for the church he loved was infectious; he brought many others to membership there, and was known for his heartfelt, generous spirit. Bruce consistently ushered and served on the Congregation Council, Mount Olivet's leadership board, for many terms. A celebration of a life well-lived will be held Friday, May 8 at 2:00 p.m. at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church. Come. Be prepared to smile as we remember Bruce. Memorials: University of Minnesota Foundation c/o The Bruce Telander Fund, 516 15th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455; The Somerset Country Club Scholarship Fund, 1416 Dodd Rd, St. Paul, MN 55118; Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church Music Ministry, 5025 Knox Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419; Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758541, Topeka, KS 66675-8541. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

Bruce N Telander

April 13, 1934 - April 13, 2015

Tributes

Bruce N Telander

April 13, 1934 - April 13, 2015

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