Bruce W. Smeltzer, 61, of Leeds, ND, died Thursday, August 12th, 2010, at Mercy Hospital in Devils Lake.  A memorial visitation will be Saturday, August 21, 2010, from 1 to 5pm at the Nelson Funeral Home in Leeds.  As per his wishes, there will be no funeral service.  Burial will be later in the Leeds Lutheran Cemetery.

Bruce Wayne Smeltzer was born January 5, 1949 at Devils Lake, ND, to Ernest and Emma (Johnson) Smeltzer.  He was raised and educated in Leeds, graduating from Leeds High School in 1967.  Bruce entered the Army in 1967,  served as a cook-baker in Vietnam and was discharge in 1969 attaining the rank of SP4.  He returned to Leeds and worked as a hospital orderly and operating room technician at Rugby.  Bruce cared for his parents until their death and then worked fourteen years for the Benson County Home Health and Transportation.

Bruce was confirmed and a life member of Leeds Lutheran Church, a member of the Robert Tovsrud VFW Post 757 of Harlow,  a former member of the Leeds Fire Department, was one of the first EMTs with the Leeds Ambulance and a past member of the Leeds Masonic Lodge.  Bruce's life centered around caring for people.

Surviving are his siblings:  Vance (Alice) Smeltzer of Leeds;  Gail (John) Fish of Butte, MT,  Tex, Bob and David Smeltzer all of Leeds and a sister-in-law: Sharon Smeltzer of Leeds; a number of nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents;  grandparents:  Morris and Pernella Johnson and Albert and Anna Smeltzer;  a brother:  Virgil,  sisters:  Ellen Guss,  Audrey Olson and Gloria Launes.





Condolences:

Rest in peace Bruce. You have been a big part of mine and Dawson's life. I am truly blessed to have shared your life with you. I know that you are in a better place now where you will never have to suffer again. I will always be thinking of you and know that you are watching us from heaven. I love you and will see you again one day. My sympathy goes out to the rest of the family while they are going through this difficult time.  Amanda Langham

Smeltzer Family, We are so sorry about Bruce, Our prayers are with you all.  Bob & Kay Verke

There is not enough space here to say all of what I have to say. Bruce was such a special person with a heart of GOLD and made such a huge impact on my life! I have so very many memories but what stands out the most is how he was ALWAYS there when I was taking care of my Mom,and years before, with Amanda and then Dawson.God has him home so he doesn't have to suffer anymore and I KNOW I will see him again when I get there!!!  To Bob, Tex, David, Vance and Alice,Gail,and Sharon I am sorry for your loss and God will help you all through your grieving time!!!  Barb Higginbotham

Words can not express our feelings at the loss of Uncle Bruce.  He has always been a bright star in our lives.  He will be greatly missed.   Bill, Susie, Stephanie and Ethan Rowling

Hi Tex and Bruce's family - I just read about Bruce's transition.  Please know I am thinking of you and send my love to everyone and offering comfort in knowing that Bruce is truly, truly in very good hands now! Not that he wasn't before, Tex - you are the best! But, you know what I mean. May you all be comforted with memory after memory for your time with Bruce and what a contribution he was to your lives and to everyone around him. So, with that I send love as Bruce makes his journey to the light from which he came.  Brenda