Bruce Donald Ponwith

Bruce Donald Ponwith, age 66, of Cleveland passed away on Wednesday, January 20, 2021. Public visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the St. Peter Funeral Home. Private memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Cleveland. Burial will be in Savidge Lake Cemetery.

Bruce Donald Ponwith was born on October 26, 1954 in Mankato to Donald and Shirley Ponwith. He was the oldest of six children. He attended Cleveland Public School and later went on to graduate from South Central Technical College where he studied Agricultural Production.

On September 16, 1978 he was married to Susan Schroeder, and together they raised two children. Later Bruce was blessed with three grandchildren, whom he adored.

Bruce enjoyed being involved in the community. He was part of the Sons of the American Legion, Cleveland Lutheran Cemetery Board, long-time member of the Le Sueur County Sheriffs Mounted Posse and the St. Peter Investment Club to name a few. Bruce enjoyed coaching his kid’s youth basketball teams and never missed one of their games, no matter the distance or the weather. He also enjoyed driving school bus and getting to know many students.

Bruce had a larger-than-life personality with a contagious smile. He had a unique way of lighting up a room and the ability to have a genuine conversation with anyone. Bruce had the kindest of hearts, and he was never too busy to help a friend, neighbor or stranger in need.

Bruce was a man of many interests. He enjoyed going on fishing and hunting trips, having breakfast with friends, going to Jockos for coffee daily and finding any reason to go for a drive. He enjoyed the outdoors, going for walks, snowshoeing and kayaking. Bruce also loved to farm. Planting in the spring and harvesting in the fall were his favorite times of the year.

Most of all, Bruce loved his family. He learned to love, be kind and have fun early on from his parents, Don and Shirley. He enjoyed spending many special times with his five sisters and their families. Raising his children brought him great joy and immense pride. His grandchildren were the light of his life. He was always looking for a reason to boast to anyone about what his children or grandchildren were up to.

Bruce is survived by his children, Ryan (Emily) Ponwith, and Lauren Ponwith; grandchildren, Layla, Rhett, and Bryce Ponwith; siblings, Bonnie Ponwith, Lori (Chuck) Boyle, Lynne (Jim) Bausman, Beth (Jamie) Pugh, and Lisa (Bill) Mayleben; former wife, Susan Ponwith; special friend, Cheryl as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, Bruce would appreciate nothing more than a donation to his grandchildren’s education fund. Donations can be made at HomeTown Bank in Cleveland to “The Family of Bruce Ponwith”.