Behrends, Bruce Richard was born in St Paul on Nov 26, 1947 to Richard and Margaret (Rohlfing) Behrends. When he was three 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 from Hastings High School in 1965, 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 Le Sueur, MN in 1970. 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 US 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 harmonicas 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, MT, five grandchildren (Selma, Sam, Mara, Emerson, and Desmund), and his large extended family. Bruce passed away peacefully on March 21, 2024, due to complications from heart surgery. Memorial Service to be held on May 16 at 11 am at Unity Church-Unitarian, 733 Portland Avenue, St Paul MN.

Published on March 27, 2024