Bruce G. Wolff

Dr. Bruce G. Wolff, M.D., passed away peacefully at home in Rochester, Minnesota on Friday, April 24, 2026, from natural causes. Born in Columbus, Georgia, Dr. Wolff dedicated his professional life to advancing the field of colorectal surgery and improving the lives of his patients. He followed in the footsteps of his father and older brothers in joining the Mayo Clinic in 1982, where he spent the duration of his career as a surgeon, mentor, and leader in his field. He served as chair of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Mayo and held numerous national leadership roles, including President of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and Executive Director of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. He was a sought-after speaker, engaging audiences around the world on colorectal surgery topics with his trademark blend of humor, stories, and clinical perspective from his many years of practice. His lasting influence on the profession is also, and notably, underscored through his passionate education and mentorship to hundreds of physician residents and his impact on the countless patients that benefited from his compassion and care.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Wolff was a beloved father, husband, grandfather, and friend. He had a deep appreciation for classic cars and American history, especially the Civil War and World War II. He was a talented banjo and guitar player, entertaining family, friends, and colleagues with bluegrass and folk renditions. He'll be remembered for his love of family and friends, long-haired dachshunds, and travel, his hospitality, his much-lauded annual Christmas letters, his compassion, and his dedication to his work.

Dr. Wolff is survived by his wife, Vikki; his children, Catherine (Katie) Wolff; William (Oscar) Wolff and his wife, Lauren, and their children, Maren and William (Will); and Charles (Charlie) Wolff and his wife, Kaylie, and their children, Jack and Hank. He was preceded in death by his wife Jacqueline Goodyear, his brothers William (Bill) and Luther (Butch), his sister Mary Louise (Bug), and his parents Luther and Mary Will.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 512 3rd St SW Rochester, MN, at 1:00pm on May 4, 2026, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Undue Medical Debt (https://unduemedicaldebt.org [unduemedicaldebt.org]) or Save the Music Foundation (https://www.savethemusic.org [savethemusic.org]).

For those travelling in from out of town, recommended hotels are below:

Kahler Grand:Downtown Rochester MN Hotel │Kahler Inn & Suites

Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area:Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area, Minnesota

Marriott Mayo Clinic Area: Rochester Marriott Mayo Clinic Area ' Walkway-Connected Hotel in Downtown

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Wolff family.