Bruce Meidinger is going to find the perfect place in his Fargo, N.D., home to proudly display his framed Certificate of Life Membership for The Salvation Army Advisory Board. He recently received the honor after retiring from the Fargo, N.D., Advisory Board, having served for more than 40 years.
“One of the great honors of my life has been to serve The Salvation Army,” he said
Bruce follows in the footsteps of his late grandfather, C.L. Kleinschmidt, who served on the advisory board in Bismarck, N.D., for more than four decades. “
I told Bruce, ‘You honor your grandfather,’” said Major Abe Tamayo, who leads the Fargo Corps. “Bruce is a caring man who loves his community, serving with honor, generosity, wisdom, and warmth.”
Joining the board in 1980 and becoming treasurer, Bruce brought his business acumen and wisdom to financial matters.
Chuck Demaree, chairman of the advisory board, has worked with Bruce for the last five years.
“Bruce is a thoughtful, caring man of integrity,” Chuck said. “He is very smart and resourceful and very humble.”
Initially Bruce’s colleague and mentor at the American Crystal Sugar Company, Al Blomquist, who was on the advisory board, encouraged Bruce to serve.
Bruce followed his heart and volunteered.
“I joined because I knew the work of The Salvation Army and because of my grandfather’s work with the board and the Army. I wanted to do this in his memory,” Bruce explained. “It has been a real joy to work with the wonderful people at The Salvation Army. They truly do the work of God.”
Managing funds wisely was always a goal for Bruce.
“There is a biblical quote: ‘For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required,’” he said referencing Luke 12:48, KJV. “I have always kept that in mind. The Salvation Army officers and the board members have always kept that in mind too, for we are the stewards of the community’s resources.”
