Timothy John Bulger, 70, of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, passed away on October 20, 2026 at Sanford Medical Center in Thief River Falls.

Tim was born on April 7, 1956, in Warren, Minnesota, to William and Joyce (Parent) Bulger. He attended Lincoln High School and graduated in 1974. On June 28, 1975, he married the love of his life, Lana (VandeStreek) Bulger, beginning a partnership that spanned more than five decades.

Tim dedicated his career to the railroad industry, working as a locomotive mechanic with Independent Locomotive Services. He was known for his strong work ethic, mechanical skill, and willingness to lend a helping hand whenever needed.

Outside of work, Tim found his greatest joy in the outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing – mostly on Lake of the Woods. He especially enjoyed pheasant hunting - first with his dad and Bismarck cousins to South Dakota and then in later years with his son, John, grandson, Brady, nephews, and brothers-in-law to his cousin Jeremy’s around Beach, ND.

Tim treasured time spent at his cabin near the Beltrami State Forest. The annual week-long trip to the cabin with his friend, Bill Copeland was the highlight of his year. He took pride in maintaining food plots for wildlife and enjoyed sharing his passion for the outdoors with family and friends. Most of all, Tim cherished time spent with those he loved.

Tim is survived by his wife, Lana; his son, John Bulger; his grandchildren, Brady (Courtnie) Bulger, Olivia (Weston) Bulger, Parker (Torie) Holt; his son-in-law, Allen Holt; and his great-granddaughter, Ronni Bulger. He is also survived by his siblings: Greg Bulger, Lori (Dan) Johnson, Polly (Bryan) Olson, Jenny (Dale) Langevin, Barb (Gary) Nelson, and Mary (Ralph) Matter.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Nichole Holt; his sister-in-law, Diane Bulger; his parents, William and Joyce Bulger; his father-in-law, Edward "Ed" VandeStreek; his mother-in-law, Darleen Lindom; and niece, Kimberly Hintz.

Tim will be remembered for his love of family, his dedication to his work, his passion for the outdoors, and the countless memories he created with those fortunate enough to know him. His presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Tim’s family would like to thank Dr. Maliske at the Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo, ND, and the nursing staff at the Infusion Center at Sanford Medical Center in Thief River Falls.

A Memorial Service in honor of Tim will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will take place from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Service. Burial will follow at Rosewood Cemetery, Rosewood, MN.