Bruce E. Vandersall

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Vandersall, Bruce E. Age 72, of Plymouth, MN, passed away on October 6, 2016 after a stroke and brief, courageous battle with cancer. Preceded in death by parents, Dale and Betty Vandersall of Akron, OH, his brother Dale John, and nephew Dale Jay. Bruce graduated from the College of Wooster in Ohio in 1965. He starred on the Fighting Scots' football team and in 1991 was inducted into Wooster's Athletic Hall of Fame. Teaching and coaching became his passion starting at Medina Ohio High School. From there he moved to famed football power, Washington High School in Massillon, Ohio where he met wife Diane. In 1969, Bruce joined the college coaching ranks at Wichita State University. There he was the head Freshman team coach when a varsity team plane crashed in the Rockies mountains en route to a game in Utah. This tragic event profoundly shaped the man and the coach we've all known and loved. Bruce's final coaching stop began in 1973 with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. At the U, he served as linebackers coach and defensive coordinator until 1982. With his family putting down roots, Bruce transitioned to a career as a securities broker and partner with Moore Juran. His investment career continued until his death as a partner at Northland Securities in Minneapolis. Holding a special place in his heart were the University of Minnesota Baseball and Women's Gymnastics teams following his children's athletic careers. Gopher football remained his passion starting with the one-of-a-kind pregame tailgates with dear family and friends in lot C58. When not on campus, Bruce enjoyed travel to Palm Desert, CA, Hilton Head, S.C., Lake Carlos, Alexandria, MN, Miromar Lakes, FL, Paradise Ranch, Wyoming, Izatys Resort, trips to Gopher Football Bowl games, and Ryder Cup adventures. Bruce's greatest joys were his five grandchildren. He loved the countless hours attending their soccer, football, basketball, equestrian, baseball, t-ball, golf and swimming events and supporting their many school activities. They're lucky to have memories of special times with Papa fishing, movies, boating, coloring, reading, bird watching, golf cart rides, holidays, big hugs, laughter, and general silliness. Survived by loving wife of 46 years, Diane; son, Mark (Michele) Vandersall, daughter, Kristen (Stuart) Senden; grandchildren, Tyler and Olivia Vandersall; Brynn, Tenley and Cal Senden; nephews Dean and Drew Vandersall; and countless other friends & relatives. Memorial service Thursday, October 13, 2:00 pm at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Avenue South, Minneapolis. Celebration immediately following at Minneapolis Golf Club, 2001 Flag Avenue South, St. Louis Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Make A Wish Foundation or American Cancer Society. David Lee Funeral Home Wayzata 952-473-5577 davidleefuneralhome.com

Published on October 9, 2016