VERONA - Leland C. “Lee” Bruce, age 85, of Verona, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2026. He was born on August 7, 1940, in Waukesha County, the son of Leonard and Lorraine (Schmitz) Bruce.

Leland graduated from Middleton High School in 1958. He married Shirley Lazarz on March 3, 1962.

In 1952, at just 12 years old, Lee began mowing lawns and tending gardens to earn money for the Boy Scout National Jamboree in California. What started as a young boy’s determination grew into one of Wisconsin’s largest and most respected landscape companies, The Bruce Company.

Throughout his career, Lee was actively involved in landscape industry associations at both the state and national levels. He earned widespread recognition for his leadership in environmental stewardship and conservation, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

Although he retired from The Bruce Company in 2008, Lee’s entrepreneurial spirit never slowed. He co-founded Madison Golf & Development in 1994 and later the Purple Cow Organics in 2008, continuing his commitment to innovation, sustainability, and responsible land management.

Lee also held former positions as an Independent Director at First Business Financial Services, Inc. in 2011, Director at First Business Bank in Madison from 1992 to 2009, and Director at First Business Capital Corp. from 2002 to 2009.

Leland is survived by wife, Shirley; children, Susie Lanter, Michael Ray (Kirsten) Bruce and Vicki Lee (Donald) Myers; grandchildren, Johanna Lanter, Marie Lorraine Bruce and Cierra Mayfield; great-grandchildren, Madison Sue and Easton; sisters, Barbara Moseng and Beth (Tom) Francois; brother-in-law, Bob Lazarz; and many loved nephew and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lorraine and Leonard.

A memorial service will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5701 Raymond Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026, with the Rev. Sheryl Erickson presiding. Family and friends who wish to view the service via LIVESTREAM may visit Leland’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at the time of the service and click on "Watch Now" in the Webcast section. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Leland C Bruce

August 07, 1940 - July 16, 2026

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