Bruce Charles Hoeffel, a retired executive at 3M, died peacefully on October 21, 2026, at the age of 94. His family described him as a man of deep convictions whose Catholic faith guided his life.
Hoeffel was born on April 23, 1932, in Rochester, New York, to Herbert and Helen Hoeffel. He grew up in the city and attended Aquinas Institute High School. He went on to Holy Cross College, where he earned a business degree.
In 1957 he married Marcia Frances Brown. Within the next five years the couple welcomed three children: Kathryn, Thomas and David. Their marriage lasted 67 years, and it included 24 years of living in Florida before the couple returned to Minnesota.
His professional path began at Dynacolor in Rochester and later led him to 3M, where he worked in Chicago and in Minnesota. He retired from the company in 1991 as executive director of human resources.
Family members remembered him as someone who passed on lessons about keeping faith strong through every circumstance, working diligently and honoring the sacrament of marriage. His devotion to his wife was described as unwavering. The two enjoyed traveling the world, playing golf, cooking favorite meals together and simply being in each other's company. Golf, the family noted, was Bruce's great passion.
Hoeffel was also an avid reader who welcomed new authors and new subjects. His sharp mind, relatives said, let him send birthday and anniversary cards or texts every year that arrived at just the right moment. He kept up that habit into his 94th year.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marcia, and his son David. He is survived by his children Kathryn (Jeff) Cornella, Thomas (Cathy) Hoeffel and Sue Hoeffel. Also surviving are his grandchildren Johnathan, Krystiana, Julia, Joseph and Kiara Cornella; Mike (Shae) Hoeffel; Kellie (Robby) Dee; Anna (Fritz) Waldvogel; Danny (Brenna) Hoeffel; and Nick (Andrea) Hoeffel.
Four great-grandchildren also survive him: Nora Waldvogel, Fritzy Waldvogel, Holland Hoeffel and Zachary Dee. Two more are on the way, a baby boy Waldvogel due in December 2026 and a baby Hoeffel due in March 2027.
A visitation and funeral honoring his life will take place on Monday, November 9, 2026, at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Visitation runs from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Interment will be private.
