Bruce Anthony Loween

Bruce Anthony Loween age 73, of Alexandria went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Bruce was born February 17, 1950, to Harold and Joyce (Eierman) Loween in Wadena, MN. The family lived mostly in the Nimrod area until Bruce was nine years old when they moved to the “big city”.  As a result of the move, he developed an eye for television entertainment, baseball and a love for dogs and cars; loves that would follow him throughout his life.  In 1968 Bruce graduated from Cooper High School in Robbinsdale, MN and during high school he worked for his brother Dennis at a full-service gas station. After high school in October of 1968, he joined the United States Army where he served his country honorably for 3 years.  Bruce did well in the Army as he served a tour in Korea, was promoted four times in only 21 months and had an opportunity to become a Warrant Officer.  He turned down the opportunity to continue his military career, instead returning home to Minnesota in 1971.  Upon his return, he worked in the body shop at a Ford Dealership, followed by residential construction with his dad, Harold, for the next eight years.  Bruce had a love for fast cars that often took him to the Brainerd International Raceway.  On one trip to the raceway, he met the beautiful love of his life, Leone Traxler.   On October 14^th, 1972, Bruce and Leone (Lee) were married and the couple was blessed with two boys, Anthony and Michael (Tony and Mike).  Soon after Mike’s birth Bruce found a profession he truly enjoyed, truck driving. He drove truck from 1979 – 1987.  Soon after he started driving, Bruce’s life was dramatically changed when he put his faith in Jesus’ perfect life, death, burial and resurrection for the forgiveness of his sins.  This led to a dramatic change in Bruce’s lifestyle evidenced by consistent church attendance, many trips to Strawberry Lake Christian retreat, Mexico missions’ trips and a calling from God to move his family to Mexico as missionaries from 1987-1991.  This was all to share the good news of Jesus Christ with other people. These experiences had a profound and positive effect on his family.  After returning to Minnesota in 1991, Bruce once again took up trucking.  During his trucking career Bruce owned multiple trucks, had several drivers and worked with his brother Dennis for five years. He found he was happiest driving his own truck in the end.  In January 2018, due to health issues, Bruce retired from trucking.  After the passing of his wife Lee, love struck again and he married Wanda Swor on May 23^rd, 2015.  Bruce and Wanda were blessed to be able to blend a family of six adult children.   Bruce and Wanda enjoyed trucking, traveling and spending time with their family. Together Bruce and Wanda were always united through loving and serving their Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Bruce was preceded in death by his first wife Leone, his parents, Harold & Joyce Loween, Leone’s parents, Tony & Monica Traxler, infant brother Ricky Loween, brother-in-law Pete Traxler, sister-in-law Rosie Clifford, sister-in-law Suzie Traxler, and brother-in-law Brad Nyblom.  He is survived by his wife, Wanda, sons Tony (Kelly) Loween, Mike (Jaci) Loween, Jeremiah (Marie) Swor, daughters Venesha (Terrill) Schmidt, Sarah Roers, Calysta (Devin) Swor-Krugerud and 20 grandchildren: Titus, Isaac, Eden, Benjamin, Samuel, Silas, Jacob, Moriah, Elim and Nathan Loween; Zoe, Phoenix and Sydney Swor; Logan, Griffin and Katya Schmidt; Aliah and Zach Dummer, Brady and Ethan Roers; brother Dennis (Linda) Loween and many nieces and nephews.  

On Tuesday January 23, 2024, Bruce exchanged his perishable body for his new imperishable body and left his room at the Diamond Willow assisted living to enter his heavenly home.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 4, 2024, from 3-6PM with a 5:30 PM Prayer Service, at the Anderson Funeral Home and continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

A Celebration of Bruce's life will take place on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 2PM at New Testament Church in Alexandria.

Interment will be at 11 AM on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at the Wadena Cemetery in Wadena, MN.

Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post 87, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 936, Marine Corps League Detachment 1409,
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 235 and Minnesota National Honor Guard.