Dr. Bruce Darol Fossey

Dr. Bruce Darol Fossey breathed his last and crossed the river to join God’s heavenly band after succumbing to complications of cancer at his home in The Villages, Florida, on Oct. 15. 

Dr. Fossey was born in Minneapolis on Nov. 2, 1949, and was a graduate of Edina High School, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Minnesota Medical School, graduating with honors and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha Societies. 

Bruce practiced as a general surgeon in the southwestern suburbs of Minneapolis. He held several leadership positions, such as chief of staff and chief of surgery, during his tenure.

Bruce enjoyed world travel, reading history, and playing poker as well as venturous activities like racing across the U.S. in the One Lap of America and piloting his helicopter. He was an accomplished guitar and banjo player, and upon retirement, he invented and patented the Doc Fossey, a five-string guitar for banjo players. 

Bruce and Carol moved to The Villages, Florida, where he enjoyed golf, poker, and numerous other activities. He also enjoyed grandparenting and watching his seven grandchildren grow up. 

Bruce left the world a better place than when he arrived and leaves behind family and friends who will miss him deeply. 

Bruce is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Darol and Clara (Sandahl) Fossey. He is survived by his loving wife Carol; daughter Lacia Simons; sons Derek (Kirstin) and Dustin (Alexandra) Fossey; grandchildren Calie and Keira Simons, Hudson and Hunter Fossey, Finn, Isla, and Clare Fossey; sister Jane (Jim) Morrow; brothers Brian (Kim), Brent (Joyce), and Kurt (Deana) Fossey. 

Memorial services will be at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hope Lutheran Church, Palm Desert, CA 92260.