Bruce Niemitalo

Bruce Duane Niemitalo was born a twin to Brian, as the New Years babies of 1959 in Stanley, North Dakota to the late Carl and Margie Niemitalo. Bruce passed away on March 30, 2024, in Malaga, Spain while on an extended trip with his son, Miles, to build guitars with a special luthier. Bruce loved to explore the world and made countless trips with his wife, kids, siblings, and friends such as: horseback riding and camping in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, experiencing the wonder of Israel and the places he had read about in the Bible, hunting in northern Alaska, hiking 170 miles of the Appalachian trail, studying Spanish in Guatemala, and attending friend’s weddings in Brazil. Riding his Harley all the way through Mexico with a group of 17 friends was an exceptional adventure. He would always find his way off the tourist path and make friends with the locals. Bruce loved people and had that charming smile with eyes that twinkled and made you feel special, and he usually had a nice word to say. He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and when his kids were still at home, they knew to drop what they were doing and gather along with their friends while Dad would read the Bible and expound on it a little. Bruce loved to worship and would listen to sermons at night. Bruce enjoyed countless hours in his woodshop handcrafting beautiful things and engaging in many memorable and meaningful conversations. He made tables for his married kids and pieces for his own home and even made a boat. He made over 50 guitars, other instruments, and many amazing knives, cutting boards and other things and gave most of them away. Bruce was happy to teach others, but he let them know they were to finish their projects and clean up after themselves. Bruce loved his wife, Brenda, for 38 years. He adored his kids and would tell you how cool they are and cherished each of his grandkids. Surely one or more of them were on his screensavers. His family and his many friends were important to him, and he was well loved. He had plenty of hardships in his life, but with the help of God, he carried on with a cheerful and productive attitude. He and his brother Brian were partners in various businesses. Surviving are his wife, Brenda Niemitalo of Lyman; three daughters, Nicole Knuuttila (Jacob), Jessica Sarkela, and Bethany Goddard (Justin) all of Lyman; three sons, Malachi Niemitalo (Kimberlee), Michael Niemitalo, and Miles Niemitalo all of Lyman; an honorary son, Lucas Pantarotto of Lyman; four brothers, Brian Niemitalo (Shana) of Inman, Craig Niemitalo of Idaho, Scott Niemitalo (Karen) of North Carolina, and James Niemitalo (Heidi) of Washington; four sisters, Linda Mattson (Glen) of Oregon, Donna Weisser (Tom) of Washington, Debbie Aho of Greer, and Patti Juuti (Shane) of Greer; eight grandchildren, Blakely, Tessla, Cashton, Kenna Rae, Haven, Rowan, Liv, and Kade; and his beloved dogs, Willie and Nelson. He was predeceased by two daughters, Natalie Niemitalo and Carly Niemitalo, one son, Max Niemitalo, one brother, David Niemitalo, and one brother-in-law, Fratt Aho. Bruce will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Monday, April 22, 2024, at Eastside Apostolic Lutheran Church, 2200 Mays Bridge Road, Greer, South Carolina, conducted by Pastor Scott Niemitalo, Pastor Roy Geesey, and Pastor Dan Hoard. A private family burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Malachi Niemitalo, Michael Niemitalo, Miles Niemitalo, Justin Goddard, Jacob Knuuttila, and Lucas Pantarotto. Honorary escorts will be Brian Niemitalo, Craig Niemitalo, Scott Niemitalo, and James Niemitalo. Visitation will be held 2:00-4:00 p.m. Monday, April 22, 2024, at Eastside Apostolic Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com.

Bruce Niemitalo

January 1, 1959 - March 30, 2024