Bruce Allan Hella

Bruce Allan Hella, an esteemed architect and cherished family man, passed away in St. Paul, Minnesota on March 10, 2024, at the age of 75, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Fargo, North Dakota, on June 30, 1948, Bruce was the middle of three boys born to Alvin and Grace (Arneson) Hella.

Bruce graduated from Fargo North High School in 1966 before attending the University of Minnesota. A student and an athlete, Bruce achieved his proudest sports moment in 1968 when his unexpected success in the long jump helped the Golden Gophers secure a Big 10 Track title by one point.

Bruce married his high school sweetheart, Jane (Schlossman) Hella, in 1969. He earned his degree in Architecture from the University of Minnesota in 1971, after which he began his professional journey at the University of Minnesota Planning Office (1972-76).

Bruce then moved back to Fargo, where he raised his three children, Brent, Tari and Bryce. He joined Foss and Associates, dedicating nearly a decade to the architectural firm before establishing the Bruce Hella Architectural Studio. Two of his favorite non-residential projects through his studio were the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center, visible from Interstate-94, and the Schlossman Family YMCA West.

In 2004, Bruce married Jean and continued their "retirement" running a Merry Maids business in Prescott, Arizona (2007-15). This endeavor provided them with invaluable life lessons. Bruce and Jean spent the rest of their retirement near family in Detroit Lakes, Minn., (2013-18) and St. Paul (2018-24).

Bruce's impact extended far beyond his professional spheres. As an active community member, he dedicated his time to organizations like the Kiwanis Club. Additionally, he found time to coach his children's sports teams and teach confirmation at the family's church, further enriching the lives of others through his guidance and support. Bruce loved watching his children, grandchildren and extended family members in their extracurricular activities, and could often be found cheering for his favorite people and teams in the audience. In his leisure time, he found joy and solace in woodworking, gardening, yard work, and house projects, channeling his creativity into various endeavors that reflected his passion for hands-on activities and beautifying his surroundings.

In addition to his wife, Jean, Bruce is also survived by his former wife, Jane (Schlossman) Hella of Fargo. He was a beloved father to Brent Hella (Michelle Radke Hella) of Fargo, Tari Hella-Yelk (Sam Yelk) of St. Paul, Bryce Hella (William Garcia) of Ann Arbor, Mich., and stepfather to Brad Elliott Schlossman of Grand Forks, N.D., and Jennifer (Schlossman) Haight (Joseph Haight) of St. Paul. He is survived by his brother Karl Hella (Dao Hella) of Northfield, Minn., and his grandchildren Sydney Hella, William Hella, Oliver Yelk, Alexander Hella, Mayson Yelk, Henry Garcia, Rocco Haight, Ellie Garcia and Luca Haight. Bruce was preceded in death by his mother, Grace (Arneson) Hella, father, Alvin Hella, and brother, Gordon Hella.

Bruce leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, faith and strength. He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his family, friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A funeral will be held at Macalester-Plymouth United Church in St. Paul on Saturday, March 16, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow. Memorials are preferred to go to the Alvin and Grace Hella Memorial Scholarship at Mayville State University and Hallie Q. Brown Community Center in St. Paul.