Bruce A. Klinder

Bruce A. Klinder, age 58, of Harwood, ND, died Monday, March 9, 2009, in his home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.Bruce Allen Klinder was born on May 10, 1950 to Herbert and Ruth Fischer Klinder in Long Prairie, MN. Bruce grew up and attended school in Long Prairie. At the age of 10 Bruce was injured from an accidental gunshot from which he was paralyzed. Shriners Children's Hospital in Minneapolis became home to Bruce until he was 16 at which time he was moved to Gillette's Children's Hospital in St. Paul. Bruce graduated high school from Gillette's Children's Hospital in 1968. Bruce attended St. Cloud Technical College for two years before moving to Moorhead where he attended Minnesota State Community and Technical College for one year. He began his career with NDSU as a Computer Programmer/Analyst 37 years ago.Bruce was an incredibly talented, gentle and independent person who always thought of others before himself. He was a very determined person and did not let his handicap get in his way. He loved yard work, home improvement projects, the snow and fishing. Bruce has been a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Moorhead for 16 years, serving in many capacities, such as serving on the Board of Stewardship, and Board of Elders and was a member of the Life Light Bible Study group. Bruce's commitment to Christ was an inspiration to many. In 2003 Bruce met the love of his life, Debra Cleveland. They were united in marriage on February 14, 2009. Bruce had been receiving dialysis from 2003 and fought a courageous battle with cancer until his death. His independence and determination has been a testament of faith to so many. Blessed be the memory of Bruce Allen Klinder.Special thanks goes out to the many friends Bruce has made over the years. To the amazing staff on the dialysis unit, not only the nurses but to everyone, you became such a special part of Bruce's family. To Dr. Qarni thank you for your wonderful care, you became a trusted friend in addition to a wonderful Doctor. To Karla Frenchbaker your caring and dedication were truly appreciated. And finally in the last weeks Caroline From Hospice, you made a trying time bearable, thank you for everything, in this short time you became a friend.He is survived by his wife, Debra Klinder of Harwood, ND; his mother, Ruth Klinder of Alexandria, MN; step-daughter, Danielle Cleveland of Grand Forks, ND; one brother, Darrell Marlyne Klinder of Carlos, MN; two sisters, Jerrilyn Frank of Prescott, WI and Sharon Keith Spandl of Long Prairie, MN.He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Klinder.