Bruce Melvin Bogar went to be with his heavenly Father and Savior on Saturday, October 23rd, at the age of 72.
Bruce was born on July 19, 1949 in Wolf Point, MT to Melvin and Sue Zora Bogar. He was the fourth of five children.
He met Melva Myhre during his high school years in Circle, MT. Bruce graduated from Circle High in 1967. Bruce and Melva were married on September 6, 1969 and made their home in Billings, MT.
Bruce graduated from Eastern Montana College. While living in Billings, Bruce and Melva had three children, Colette, Brent, and Blain.
Bruce opened an accounting practice after college. In 1980, Bruce became the owner of Petroleum Distributors in Glendive. In 1984, he moved to Denver to attend Denver Seminary. After graduating from Denver Seminary in 1986, he moved back to Glendive. In 1988, Bruce bought a farm near Vida, MT. He farmed and did pulpit supply in the surrounding communities. In 1989, Bruce accepted the full time Pastorate at Gospel Fellowship Church in Wolf Point.
In 2007, Melva went to be with her Lord and Savior, and Bruce continued serving the same Lord and Savior in Wolf Point.
In 2009, Bruce met Connie Clark in Glendive. They were married November 21, 2010. The two of them served at Gospel Fellowship Church until Bruce’s retirement in 2019. Bruce and Connie then moved to Billings.
Bruce lived his life living out his favorite verse from the Bible, trusting in the Lord with all his heart and leaning not on his own understanding but acknowledging the Lord in all his ways and letting the Lord direct his path. He fought a good fight and finished his course and is now in the presence of His Savior and Lord, whom he dearly loved.
He is preceded in death by his mother, father, brother Kenny, and Melva.
He is survived by wife, Connie, daughter and son-in-law Colette and Todd Christensen, grandchildren Thomas, Amanda, Malea and Thaddaeus of Wyoming; son and daughter-in-law Brent and Kris and grandchild Hope of North Dakota, and son and daughter-in-law Blain and Nataliya and grandchildren Jackson and Melaniya of Nevada. He is also survived by Jonathan and Erika Clark of California and Lisi and Andy Wickham along with their children Judith, David and Irene of Spain.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Beacon Bible Camp, Frazer, MT. Mailing address 6980 Mary Street, Wolf Point, MT 59201.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Arlene Knutson Holmes says
Sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. I remember Bruce and this family from his younger years. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Connie Dahl says
My heart is heavy because the love is great. But it also rejoices in that we will see Bruce one day. So many precious memories and I will never forget the man who baptized me. God is good all the time and all the time He is good. My prayers are with Connie and family. Love Connie Dahl
Chris and Grg Holler-Dinsmore says
Deepest condolences to family and friends. May the love and care of family and friends give comfort. May the sure and certain knowledge of the resurrection and God’s love give peace, comfort and hope. Lifting you up in prayer.
Tom and Brenda Atkinson says
To Bruce’s family Sorry to hear of Bruce’s going home. I was a part of a group of tuna fisherman who went fifty miles out to sea for tuna with him. The Bogar family always a class act. He is at the feet of Jesus today. May God wrap you in his loving arms and give you peace in this time of loss.
JASON L PAYNE, MBA says
So sorry for your loss. My sincerest condolences. Prayers to the Bogar Family.
Darci Wagner says
Bruce Bogar – one of my favorite people. When I moved to Vida in 1988 as a school teacher, I knew no one for hundreds of miles. Bruce and Melva treated me like family from the git-go. Bruce didn’t just speak of Jesus, he lived Jesus in his daily life. I appreciate his example so much. My condolences to his wife (I am sorry that I cannot remember your name), Collette, Brent, Blaine and all other family and friends. Bruce will be missed by us all. It is sheer joy to have known Bruce and his family.
Jean Richard says
Was so sorry to hear of Pastor Bruce’s passing. Don and I thought of him as our pastor and friend. Condolences to all of the family.
Richard Desch says
Connie and family,
Our condolences to you as you celebrate the homegoing of Bruce. We were grateful to get to know you through the time Gospel Fellowship joined with us at Community Bible after the fire. Also working together at Beacon Bible Camp was a blessing.
Richard and Linda Desch
Laura Dreyer Bleazard says
Donny, Collette, Brent, Blain and families, I was so sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. I remember singing and he and Melva’s wedding so many years ago. He truly lived his faith. Bruce will be greatly missed but what a wonderful example he was for his family which he greatly loved. Keeping you in my prayers!
Lyndsay Dysinger says
We met Pastor Bruce in 2007 when we moved to MT (Vida) and we’re invited to GFC. Connie our condolences to you and your family. When I think about Bruce I reflect on how easy he was to talk to, his sermons relatable and how he truly loved and followed the Lord. As well as you Connie, you and Bruce treated our family so kind and invited us over like “neighbors” at the farm. Thank you for all you both have done for so many.
Sheila Schwartz says
Dear Connie and family
So sorry for your loss but rejoice in Bruce’s homecoming. It was fun reconnecting with both you and Bruce as our mother’s were together at Grandview. God is faithful in every way as He welcomes home His children we long for that day. May you find His comforting presence.
Sheila Schwartz
Nita Crockett says
So very sorry for your loss ! Bruce was a great man and such a huge blessing to all who knew him and loved him ! All of our thoughts and prayers !
scott taylor says
Connie, Colette, Brett, and Blain, only our Hope in the Lord can sustain us now, and what Hope we have!….Bruce was such an example of a true Christian man…so kind, and loving…and always pointing us to the Lord in every situation….I’ll always cherish the deep talks about God whenever I was out at the farm doing work for Bruce…..Especially the LAST time when “The Mystery Of Ball Park Road” had us both scratching our heads over the curve, knuckle-ball,and off-speed sliders the Lord was tossing us, that to this day we still haven’t figured out!….Just look at the joy on his face in his picture above!…What a wonderful man and I’m proud to be his Brother…..God Bless you Bruce and your family..
Carmen and Aron King says
So sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Bruce did my grandmother ( his great aunt) service, I’ll never forget what he said about her. He said, she came to Montana in a covered wagon and lived to see a man walk in the moon. Wow never forgot that. Bruce was the true preacher man! He will be missed.
Daniel Nefzger says
Bruce was a true man of God who gave of himself to many. Now he is in Heaven with Jesus and Melva. Those of us still here in this life will miss him greatly. My prayers are with his wife and family.
Jeanne Meissner says
Visited with Bruce many times when he came to The FSA office to do farm paperwork. He was always pleasant and easy to work with. I am sorry for your loss. He will be missed ❤️🙏
Tim Cody says
Blessings and Prayers to all the Bogar families! Pastor Bruce was a good fellow and I enjoyed my interactions with him when the boys were in school. May he RIP!
Tim Boysun says
Blain, Brent, Colette so sorry for the loss of your father. Bruce was a great Godly man and I am happy to have known him. Prayers out to the rest of the Bogar family and friends feeling such a huge loss in their lives. God is ALWAYS good and will take care of us in good times and bad.
Joyce Schillinger says
Condolences to all of Bruce’s family. A good one has gone on.
Joel Traiser says
Prayers to Colette, Brent, Blain and their families. I wasn’t around Bruce too many times but I remember his laugh & big smile. Always seemed to be a happy guy. God bless you all.
Andy and Lisi Wickham says
Dear Mom and dear Bogar families,
Our heart has been broken over this sudden loss, and we have been thinking of you and praying for each one of you so much. We will always be grateful for Bruce’s love, joy and faithful support to our mother during these nearly eleven years. We always appreciated Bruce’s love, sense of humor, example, generosity and care that came through even though we were far from each other. The few times we enjoyed visiting in person were full of fun, laughter and thoughtful conversation. Although we will always wish we had been able to visit one last time, above all we look forward to getting to enjoy “Grandpa Bruce alias GB” even more when we meet again before Jesus, when physical distance will finally and forever cease to be a barrier.
Frank Lenihan says
Bogar Family:
Where do I begin?
17 years of friendship, ministry, adventure and service with Bruce. We traveled a lot together going to conferences, pastoral retreats, training seminars, and the privilege of touring the Holy Land together in 2004. So many stories, so many memories, so many life experiences shared together. What I can tell you is this: Bruce LOVED his family, his Church and His Lord and Savior. Hardly a meal was shared where we did not end up talking about kids and grandkids, faith and family. Hardly a trip was taken where we did not stop in and see someone related or connected to the Bogar Family. In fact, I can’t think of a single trip we took together where we did not stop in an visit someone along the way. Sometimes it was Bruce’s “people” sometimes it was mine. Bruce was a people person extraordinaire. Bruce knew people from all walks of life and had many friends both inside the church as well as outside the church. I will always remember Bruce’s love for Israel and For Beacon Bible Camp. I will always remember Bruce’s “Spiritual Gift” of bartering, buying and selling ( When visiting his house one day, I told my wife, “Watch this: “Hey Bruce, how much do you want for your TV set?” He yelled out from the kitchen, “Make me an offer!!!” LOL).
I will always remember Bruce’s desire to be a good and godly husband and father. I will always remember Bruce’s story telling, joke telling, and insightful bantering often ended with a thought for deeper reflection. I will always remember the way he wrote out his Sunday Sermons on lined Yellow Paper (I never learned how to do that!). I will always remember the back of his pick-up truck filled with something for ministry and outreach, or “trading” purposes. I will always remember his smile, his chuckle, and his willingness to listen to divergent viewpoints. He was a gifted man, loved of God and gifted by the Holy Spirit. Heaven gained a glow and earth became a little less bright Oct 23rd, but if we know Jesus as Bruce did, we will see Bruce again! And Bruce…. we will finally settle the issue of Pre-Trib or Pre-Wrath once and for all! I love you Brother-in-the Lord. Say Hello to Melva for me! – Pastor Frank Lenihan – Lustre MB Church, Lustre, Montana.
Dion and Diane Ligon says
To all of Bruce’s family,
So sorry to read this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Sergio Zapardiel and Ani Martinez says
Dear Connie,
We didn’t have the opportunity to meet Bruce, but we know he was a man with a heart for God and we are glad for the time you could share. We are very sorry for your lost and his family. Our love and prayers,
Nelli Szabo says
Blain, I only met your Father once, but he made a big impression on me. He was kind and funny. My heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family!
PK Bushman says
So sorry for your loss. He is in the arms of Jesus.
Mary Dillon says
To Connie and all Bruce’s family— I am so saddened to hear this news. I have such good thoughts of him- remembering how he was one of the first ones to comfort and pray with us when Dean and Dennis were killed. It was such a terrible time for us. I wasn’t even a member of his congregation.— And he was there for us. His actions were louder than any words preached. I have held that close to my heart all these years. I am so sorry- your family will be in my prayers. It is Comforting knowing that we will see our loved ones again. Mary Dillon
Mark and patti dundas says
We are so sad to hear of Bruce’s passing. I know that he is with Jesus and spent many years teaching and spreading God s word.
My brother Lonney and sister n law Diane Averill always shared about her family. Bruce and always spoke highly of her brother.
Jesus always heard us and sees us. God s timing is always
Better than ours. I am praying for each family member and asking
God to be in the middle of all . God bless your family
Mark and patti dundas
Erika Frey says
Bruce turned me on to some cool rock and roll. He will be missed.
Mary Jo (Nerud) Lawrence, Helena, Mt says
Bogar families: I was very sorry to hear about Bruce passing. We were classmates Circle High class of 1967.
Bruce was a special classmate. You are each in my thoughts and prayers.
daniel peter wickham says
We have met Bruce on family occasions only and visits to Spain but we had some good conversations with him especially about faith matters and felt the wealth of christian experience contained in his spirit. We will miss him too and pray for all that knew him and commend to you the words found in Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives and follow the example of their faith.
I have read previous comments and it would seem that many have already seen this in Bruce. So, though he has gone from our sight his life remains a part of ours and we can thank God for all He did through and in Bruce. Our love is extended to Connie, all the family and the greater family of faith. In Jesus Daniel and Adela Wickham, Spain.
Ed and Sheryl Gudeman says
Connie,
Ed and I are so sorry for your loss. I am thankful that we were able to meet Bruce on a visit to Madrid. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dea (Nefzger) Hostetler says
Bruce was a good man and a dear friend. He performed both my Dad’s and Mom’s funerals. He said we are not in the land of the living, going to the land of the dying; we are in the land of the dying, going to the land of the living. If you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, you will see Bruce again. If not, ask how.
Dwaine and Vivian Wall, Lustre Mt says
Dear Connie and all of Bruce’s family,
We were so sad to hear of Bruce’s passing.
I first heard of Bruce when my Grandma Ruth Heidner called me on the phone when I was home for a visit from Canada. “We have a new Pastor and he has a radio broadcast on KVCK. I want you to hear his message. Its going to be on in a few minutes.” It was a message on the older prodigal, and on how one knows they are being obedient to the Lord, or hiding in the shadows. So I know one person who will have greeted him in heaven is my Grandma.
Connie and family, our deepest condolences go out to you. We have enjoyed ladies retreats when you were the speaker (and the muddy drive home in your truck), with all the Pastors wives. We will treasure being so welcomed to your wedding, and how you both looked in on my Mom and Dad at their home on your evening walks. Thank you immensely. We know heaven will be dearer to you than ever now. It is so good to know there is a place reserved in heaven for us and we will see our loved ones again when they have Jesus as our Savior.
I also appreciated Bruce and Melva’s ministry, especially when Grandma Ruth went ‘Home’, in their home, with us at the hospital, and the message of comfort at her funeral. We do not sorrow as those without hope. May you rest in the shadow of the Almighty, feed on His Word and bask in His Presence. Vivian Wall
Cindee Berglee says
I grieve with you Connie in the loss of Bruce. I loved it when I would call and get his voicemail. It proclaimed that although he wasn’t available, God is always available. Please remember that right now my friend!
Irene and Bill Rathert says
To all of Bruce’s family. We enjoyed being neighbors in Wolf Point. We could not attend his service. Thinking of you
all with our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely; Rathert Family
Gary & Bonnie Meyer. says
Gary & Bonnie (Rees-class of 1967) Meyer Thougts & Prayers for all Bruces family-God Bless
JG says
Your tears are of love in remembrance. I’m not into all that canned believe-believe-believe stuff since politics entered too many churches in agree or else fashion.
Curtis Trinder says
I loved him. That is all I have to say!