Flexsteel mourns death of former top executive Lauritsen

Flexsteel Industries Inc. announced May 21 that K. Bruce Lauritsen, vice chairman of the board of directors and chairman of Flexsteel’s Executive Committee, died May 20 at his home in Dubuque, Iowa, after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.

Formerly president and chief executive officer of Flexsteel (1993-2006), Lauritsen was a dedicated leader whose optimism and affability made him as well-liked as he was widely respected.

After graduating from Creighton University in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy, Lauritsen served in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer. He completed a tour of duty in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star.

Lauritsen’s career with Flexsteel began in 1968 when he joined the company as a sales trainee. Six years later, he was named national sales manager, and 15 years later, in 1989, he became president. During the last 10 years, Lauritsen’s strong vision and leadership helped propel the company to increased sales, expanded markets and enhanced brand recognition. He had many great accomplishments during his tenure as CEO. He reorganized the reporting structure into three business-seating units: Home Furnishings, Commercial and RV/Marine. He also led the executive team and directors on the acquisition of DMI Furniture, which in turn implemented an offshore Asian sourcing program to blend with the company’s U.S. manufacturing focus.

“Bruce, in his long tenure with Flexsteel, served in many demanding and critical positions. Under his leadership as president and CEO, the company’s revenue increased from $200 million to more than $400 million. In addition, his leadership guided the company as it evolved to meet the challenges of the constantly changing business climate and helped Flexsteel maintain its leadership role in the home furnishings industry. As a leader and a friend, Bruce will be sorely missed,” says Bruce Boylen, chairman of the board, Flexsteel Industries.