Bruce Robert Birkemeyer

Bruce Robert Birkemeyer, age 80, of Mankato, died on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at Hillcrest Health Care Center. 

Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 31, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Northview.  Burial will be at a later date at Minneopa Cemetery. 

Bruce was born on June 3, 1942, in Sleepy Eye, MN to Earl and Ruth (Sandman) Birkemeyer.  He graduated from Morgan High School and Mankato State University.  Bruce was a high school teacher and taught in Hayward, WI and Emmetsberg, IA.  Bruce loved farming and in 1990 he and his brother, Glenn took over farming the family farm.  He retired to Mankato and was involved with many community activities including Life Long Learners, Great Decisions, City of Mankato, Hilltop Neighborhood Community, and Minnesota Methodist Church Council.  Bruce was an avid rock collector.  He often mined rocks and would cut, polish, and set the rocks in jewelry.  Some of the cut rocks were framed as picture art.  Bruce enjoyed writing and several of his short stories have been published. 

Bruce is survived by his sister, Gayle and Doug Willey of Eden Prairie; brother, Glenn and Karen Birkemeyer of Mankato; nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews.  Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Roger of Silver Springs, Maryland. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Hillcrest Health Care Center and Mayo Hospice for their loving care they provided to Bruce.