March 21, 2024
Bruce Richard Behrends, 76, passed away peacefully March 21 due to complications from heart surgery. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, May 16, at Unity Church-Unitarian, 733 Portland Ave. in St Paul.
Bruce was born Nov 26, 1947 in St Paul, the son of Richard and Margaret (Rohlfing) Behrends. When he was 3 years old, his family moved to a farm at the confluence of the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers. He grew up with his four siblings on the farm, doing chores, going to school and participating in 4-H and FFA.
After graduating in 1965 from Hastings High School, Bruce enrolled in the University of Minnesota College of Agriculture. He finished his Ph.D. in poultry nutrition in 1977. In 2018, the Department of Animal Science awarded Bruce the Golden Alumni Award for Achievement in Industry.
He and the love of his life, Sue Miller, were married in 1970 in Le Sueur. They were married for 54 years.
In 1979, Bruce, Sue and their three young boys moved to Litchfield where he managed the feed and nutrition businesses at Sparboe Farms. During this time, he traveled extensively in the U.S. and internationally, consulting in poultry nutrition. After retiring in 2017, Bruce and Sue moved to the Cathedral Hill area of St. Paul.
Throughout his life, Bruce had a diversity of interests. He enjoyed outdoor activities including skiing, hiking and bicycling. Some travel highlights were trips to Japan, Prairie Home Companion cruises, and visits to family. Bruce was a lifelong reader, especially of Minnesota history and literature. He was an accomplished cook and was more than willing to try a new recipe. Bruce also played Irish music on the whistle and harmonica with several groups in the metro area.
We will remember Bruce for his generosity, caring nature and inquisitive mind.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Sue; sons, Alec (Abbie) of St Paul, Nathaniel (Kirsten) of Sandnes, Norway, and Peter (Kelsey) of Helena, Montana; five grandchildren, Selma, Sam, Mara, Emerson, and Desmund; and his large extended family.
