Willis, Bruce Donald Passed away peacefully on October 31, 2024, after a long illness. Born in 1941 in Minneapolis and preceded in death by father Donald Willis and mother Marie (Edwards) Willis. When he was five, his family moved to a 120-acre farm 15 miles west of Minneapolis, where he grew up learning the value of hard work. He graduated from Orono High School in 1958, Yale University in 1962, and Harvard Law School in 1965. He had honorable discharges from both the U.S. Army Reserve and the U.S. Navy Reserve. He married Elizabeth Ann (Beth) Runsvold in 1971. They had two children, Andrew and Ellen, who were the light of his life. He practiced law with the Minneapolis firm of Popham, Haik, Schnobrich, Kaufman & Doty, Ltd. from 1965 until 1995, when he was appointed to the Minnesota State Court of Appeals. He loved the English language and was known on the court as a stickler for grammar and good, clear writing. He retired from his full-time position on the court in 2008 but continued part time as a Senior Judge until 2016. Throughout his life he enjoyed music of all kinds; mysteries, novels, biographies, and books about World War II; crossword puzzles; a clever joke and a hearty laugh; and a good steak. He was an Anglophile and an avid sports fan, enjoyed researching family genealogy, and loved traveling. When he could no longer travel, he looked forward to days when friends called, came over bringing lunch or breakfast, or stopped by for a chat. Most of all, he loved his family. His children made him laugh, and he was proud of them every day, eager to show photos, tell stories, and brag just a bit, or a lot. His pride and joy and love for them were multiplied when they married wonderful spouses, and he adored his five grandchildren with all his heart. He is survived by Beth, his loving wife of 53 years; son Andrew (Grete) Willis of Geneva, Switzerland; daughter Ellen (Michael) Cutalo of Minneapolis; grandchildren Trygve, Glen, and Adrian Willis, and Nico and Lucia Cutalo; sister Susan (Roger) Vallie; and many much-loved nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family extends its sincere gratitude to the caregivers from Senior Helpers of the Lake Minnetonka Area and from Park Nicollet Hospice, who allowed him to live out the end of his life as he wished: at home, surrounded by those he loved and those who loved him. A funeral will be held at 11am on Thursday, Nov. 14, at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Road 6, Plymouth, MN, with visitation beginning at 10am. The service will also be live-streamed at www.spdlc.org/livestream. Memorials preferred to: St. Philip the Deacon Foundation and St. Olaf College.