Obituary for Bruce Ceryes

Bruce R. Ceryes, 59, of Duluth, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 18, 2023. 

Bruce was born and spent his early childhood in Duluth. He moved to and lived in Proctor, MN, in junior high and into high school. During high school Bruce moved back to Duluth, and graduated from Duluth Central in 1982, where he set several records as a gold medalist champion weightlifter. Bruce attended MN North College, Vermillion; and University of MN, Duluth. 

Bruce, a jack of many trades: pizzaiolo, butcher, salesperson, professional mover, construction worker, miner, forklift operator, truck driver, inventor, entrepreneur, and more. Bruce developed and sold a line of natural, chemical-free bug repellent products for people, pets, home, and garden. Recently, Bruce worked in a group home specializing in adults with disabilities, and his final job, a private van driver for doctors and nurses. In his free time, Bruce picked Mother Nature with his beloved dog of 17 years, Boomer. Bruce loved northern MN, Pequaywan Lake "God's Country" remained his favorite place.

Bruce's love for the great outdoors began as a child camping with family in tents, trailers, campers, and recreational vehicles, nearly year-round. He explored the campsites and enjoyed fishing, boating, swimming, and building campfires. In the deep cold of winter, Bruce enjoyed the challenge of ice fishing with or without an icehouse, snowmobiling, ice hockey, and chopping wood. As Bruce grew up, he began to target practice by bow and arrow. A gifted archer, he made the paper as the youngest Minnesotan to successfully hunt a deer with a bow. An avid sportsman, Bruce developed a keen eye and became an excellent marksman with firearms. Bruce, a masterful teacher, shared his hunting knowledge by teaching family and friends humbly, patiently, and kindly. Bruce and the outdoors fit perfectly together. Everyone was entertained by his robust sense of humor. Bruce, a big guy with a huge heart, helped anyone who needed a hand.

Bruce was preceded in death by his mother, Marcie, and brother, Kevin. He is survived by his father, Craig of Duluth; sister, Carrie (Kurt Bloyer) Ceryes of Des Moines, IA; brother, Steve LaFave of Duluth. He leaves behind many family members and friends.

Arrangements made by doughertyfuneralduluth.com (http://doughertyfuneralduluth.com/). In accordance with family wishes, no formal service will be held at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

Pictures: Graduation; Hockey - Bruce is #15 on the top right and Kevin is to the left of him; Bruce in his 30's.