Bruce Robert Teeters

In the early morning hours of August 14, 2025, after a valiant battle with cancer, Bruce Teeters made a peaceful departure. In the days leading up to his passing, he was surrounded by his family and many dear friends, for which his loved ones are forever grateful.

Bruce was born on June 15, 1954, in New Ulm, Minnesota, to Adelpha and Delbert Teeters. When Bruce was in third grade, the family relocated to Billings, Montana, where Delbert worked as a state dairy inspector and later at Meadow Gold. This move began Bruce’s lifelong love of the dairy industry. The Teeters family eventually settled on a farm south of Laurel, where Bruce learned the art of dairy from the ground up, helping with daily milking and other chores.

He attended Laurel High School, where he was active in many activities, especially basketball and band. Bruce played saxophone in the concert band, stage band, marching band, and pep band. His years in band brought him wonderful memories and lifelong friendships. One of his proudest high school achievements was being selected for All-State Band as both a junior and senior. A lifelong lover of music in all its genres and styles, Bruce enthusiastically passed this passion on to his daughters and grandchildren.

After graduating in 1972, Bruce joined the family business, becoming a partner with his father and older brother, Bill, in the Laurel-Worden Creamery. Bruce and Bill later bought out their father’s share and operated the business together until its closure in 1998.

In 1976, Bruce met Karen—the love of his life—at the Sundae Shop in Laurel, which was owned by the Creamery. They married on November 11, 1978, and welcomed their daughter Devienne the following year. In 1981, their family was complete with the arrival of a second daughter, Rene.

Bruce led by example, showing his family and community what it meant to serve with a generous heart. He was an active member of the Laurel community, serving as a Jaycee and dedicating years to the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department, where he fought fires and helped build what became the biggest fireworks show in the state. He also served on the Laurel City Council. As his daughters grew, Bruce and Karen became active members of the Laurel High School Booster Club. Bruce drove the activities bus, transporting teams, choirs, and bands across the state, often traveling to events even when his own children weren’t participating.

A devoted fan of Laurel sports—especially basketball and football—Bruce found great joy later in life watching his granddaughter Adrienne play softball, whether in a Locomotives uniform or on summer ball teams. He loved getting to know her teammates and “adopting” many of them as his own.

An avid outdoorsman, Bruce enjoyed fishing, boating, and, in later years, exploring Montana’s scenery in his side-by-side. His friends and family hold countless fond memories of adventures with him in the great outdoors.

Above all, Bruce’s greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren, Adrienne and Declan. He loved them “to the moon and back” and never missed an opportunity to tell them so.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Karen; daughters Devienne (Zack) Weekes and Rene (Jake) Roth; grandchildren Adrienne and Declan; and brothers Bill and Randy. He will be deeply missed by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Memorial Services will be held 10:00 am Thursday, August 21,2025 at Grace Bible Church in
Laurel. Interment at Laurel Cemetery and a luncheon at Grace Bible will follow.

Please join Bruce's family in driving your side-by-side to the Memorial Service and then to the Laurel Cemetery following.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bruce's memory to:

Laurel Softball Association - High School Fund
1020 Betty Avenue
Laurel, MT 59044
Or
The Laurel High School Band or Choir
203 East 8th
Laurel, MT 59044
In memory of Bruce Teeters.