Bruce Wayne Holmes, 73, of Leeds, ND passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2020 peacefully at his home in Leeds. A private family funeral will be held Friday, November 6, 2020 at the Nelson Funeral Home Chapel in Leeds with Pastor Bonnie Weaver officiating. Burial will be held at the Leeds Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Heart of America Hospice in Rugby, ND: 800 South Main Avenue Rugby, ND 58368.

Bruce Wayne Holmes, the son of Wayne and Norma (Schiele) Holmes, was born May 10, 1947 in Rugby. He was raised in Berwick, ND and graduated from Towner High School in 1965. Bruce attended Minot State University and enlisted in the Army in 1967. Bruce was honorably discharged as a Sergeant First Class in 1969 after serving in Vietnam from 1968-1969.

Bruce married Renee Odden, daughter of Ted and Mary Lou (Smith) Odden on October 29, 1971 in Willow City, ND. Bruce and Renee had two children Melanie and Shawn. They lived in Berwick then later Barton, ND and spent the last 40+ years of their marriage in Leeds. Bruce worked for the Burlington Northern Santé Fe Railroad as a laborer for the Maintenance Way Division. He was also a track inspector when needed. Bruce retired from the BNSF after serving 30+ years. He raised and supported his family through his hard work which allowed him some time to enjoy the activities he truly loved…..Hunting, fishing, sports, and the outdoors with his family.

Bruce enjoyed playing sports such as softball, golf and bowling. He was a solid golfer but really exceled in bowling with a 299 being his best game. Bruce was a constant fan and enjoyed watching Melanie and Shawn at their many events and activities on the sidelines and in the stands. He always made a point to make it even on the road trips after a long day of work and commuting.

Bruce spent countless days on Lake Sakakawea and enjoyed trips up to Canada to fish. Bruce and his family spent many special weekends during the summer at the Sak Shack at Van Hook Arm on Lake Sakakawea. It was truly a special place for all, and they are memories the entire family will cherish. He loved to hunt waterfowl near Berwick and Leeds and the occasional Whitetail Deer near the Blegen Farm. He enjoyed spending time with his father and brothers in the outdoors but loved bringing his family with whenever he could.

Bruce also enjoyed building and has many projects to his credit. He helped on numerous house projects and renovated the house in Leeds. There were not many projects he would not take on. Another joy was growing the garden in Leeds. He spent many enjoyable hours in the garden and grew a wide variety of produce. Bruce spent a lot of time with his wife Renee there as well as friends Bucky, Kevin, Cindy and Tex.

Bruce was a wonderful, loving grandfather. He cherished his grandchildren and enjoyed watching them grow up and loved hearing about all the new and funny things they did and said.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 49 years, Renee; children, Melanie (Jay) Holzbauer, New Richmond, WI and Shawn (Kimberly) Holmes, Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Philip James Kraft, Ariel and Javen Holzbauer, and Brody and Ryder Holmes; mother-in-law, Mary Lou (Smith) Peterson; brother, Steven (Shelly) Holmes and sister, Nancy Holmes; sisters-in-law, Judy (Darwin) Moen and Kathy (David) Holmes. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Ted Odden; and brother, David.