Bruce David Nitschke, 71, of Minot, ND, passed away at Trinity Hospital on July 11, 2019.

Bruce was born February 18, 1948 in Edgeley, ND to Gottlieb F. and Esther Nitschke. He attended Jud Public School where he was passionate about sports. He played basketball, baseball, and participated in track and field. He was awarded a trophy for being the County Free Throw Champion.

After high school, Bruce attended business school, then went on to Valley City State College. Bruce enlisted in the Army National Guard February 21, 1967 and completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He served for six years and was honorably discharged.

In the 1970's he began working for Burlington Northern Railroad where he operated heavy equipment. He was a member of the railroad workers union. On June 23, 1990, he married Lisa LaBeau. They lived in Fargo until Bruce went on disability due to carpal tunnel syndrome. After he retired from Burlington Northern, he and his wife lived in Belcourt before moving to Minot in 2009.

He was employed briefly by the YMCA until a series of strokes left him unable to work. Bruce was a member of Trinity Congregational Church in Jud, where he was confirmed. He remained passionate about sports throughout his life. He was a die-hard Packers fan. He loved to talk about games and watch them on t.v. Bruce loved music and attending concerts. He enjoyed action movies and spending time with his family. Friends will remember Bruce for his infectious laugh.

Bruce is survived by his wife Lisa LaBeau of Minot, ND; daughter Nicole Borg (Glen Irvin) of Sartell, MN; stepchildren Melissa Harris (Daryl) of Lincoln, ND and Eric LaBeau (Shauna) of Albuquerque, NM; one sister, Jaqueline Nitschke of Minneapolis, MN; and three brothers, Errol (Carol) Nitschke of Spokane, WA, Jonathon (Paula) Nitschke of Dacula, GA, and Michael (Paula) Nitschke of Fargo, ND; two grandsons, Lyzander and Lynx Irvin Borg of Sartell, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Kerry Rohrich.

No local services will be held.