Bruce Cletus Gerlach

Bruce Gerlach of Virginia, MN, and formerly of Lake Vermilion and Mesa, AZ, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, surrounded by his family at St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, MN.

He was born on July 27, 1944, to Cletus and Edna Violet (Rasmusson) Gerlach in McGrath, MN. He grew up in Moorhead, MN and graduated from International Falls High School in 1962. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving three years in Germany before returning to Virginia, MN.

Bruce married the love of his life, Nancy DeNucci, on July 9, 1966. They raised their family in Virginia, MN, and later spent 30 years on Lake Vermilion in a log home they built. In retirement, they became snowbirds and enjoyed winters in Mesa, AZ. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in July of 2026.

Bruce and Nancy owned and operated Virginia’s Yellow Taxicab Service from 1967 to 1971 while Bruce attended college, graduating from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1972. He went on to work for Glen Eagles Manufacturing Company, Hibbing Taconite Company, and Erie Mining Company, and retired from Cleveland-Cliffs in 2010.

Bruce was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who took immense pride in his family. He cherished every moment spent with them. Just one week before his passing, he welcomed his great-granddaughter, Sophia, and although he was not able to meet her in person, he was able to spend time with her over FaceTime, which brought him great happiness.

He enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life, including hunting and fishing, spending time at the family hunting shack, boating, and riding his Polaris Ranger. He was also a member of the Elks Club, Northern Club, Retriever’s Club, Veteran’s Club, Corvette Club, Quad City ATV Club, and Penguins Snowmobile Club.

Bruce battled kidney disease for several years, spending nearly eight years on dialysis before undergoing a kidney transplant in October of 2025. He faced his illness with strength and resilience, never complaining despite the challenges he endured, and ultimately passed after a courageous fight.

Survivors include: his wife, Nancy; his two sons, Cory (Christie) of Knoxville, TN, and Brad (Cheri) of Lake Fourteen, MN; his grandchildren Madison (Nick Axon) and Olivia, both of Knoxville, TN; Bailey (Keenan Gantz) of Virginia, MN; Chloe of Minnetonka, MN; and Grant of Grand Forks, ND; his great-granddaughter, Sophia Axon, daughter of Madison and Nick Axon; his brother, Bradley Gerlach; and his nieces and nephew, Jill (Jeff) Hanson, Debbie Laine, and Tom (Bonnie) Putzel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, sister-in-law Barb Putzel, and brother-in-law Bob Putzel.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 4th, at Peace United Methodist Church in Virginia, MN. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church. A celebration of life will be held immediately following the service at the Virginia Elks Club in Virginia, MN.