Ralph Bruski

Ralph Bruski, 70 of Ekalaka passed away Friday, December 27, 2002 at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings. He was born February 28, 1932 at Baker, MT, the son of Julius and Gertrude Sikorski Bruski. He attended the Wills Elementary School until 1946 and then Sacred Heart High School in Miles City, graduating in 1950. Ralph enlisted in the US Army in 1953. He served at Camp Desert Rock, NV where he took part in the Teapot Series Atomic Test while there. He was honorably discharged in 1955 at Fort Ord, CA. The Big Hill was purchased with muster pay after his discharge. Ralph worked at the Baker Post Office from 1957 until 1963. He was married to Frances Cate at Miles City, MT on June 18, 1960. Ralph later successfully purchased several other parcels of land which became F & R Ranches. He continued to make his home at the ranch where he worked with both his sons. Ralph enjoyed telling stories and jokes. He was a man that stood by his righteousness and what he believed in. Ralph was a member of the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church where he was a lay preacher and taught religion class. His faith was his number one priority throughout his life. He was a 4th Degree with the Knights of Columbus, a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #60, a member of the Disabled American Veterans, National Association of Atomic Veterans and served on the Ekalaka School Board for 11 years. The highlight of his life was being chosen to read at the tomb of St. Peter at the Vatican in Rome. He also read at St. Francis of Assissi on their wedding anniversary. Ralph was a hard working farmer and rancher whose life was centered around his family and grandchildren. Survivors include: His wife, Frances, Ekalaka; two sons: Joseph (Sonja) Bruski of Ekalaka and Mark (Georgia) Bruski of Ekalaka; three daughters: Anita (Lawrence) Bock on Sundance, WY, Joanne Bruski of Sundance, WY and Julie (Tim) Kuennen of Haltom City, TX; a sister, Lucile (Arnold) Kurtz of Alexandria, VA; two sisters-in-law, Jean Bruski of Willard, MT and Geraldine Bruski of Billings; and eleven grandchildren: Jeremiah, Brian, Chance, Augusta, Mary, Ryan, Sara, Marcell, Ben, Megan and Erica. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Louis in 1969; and two brothers: Sylvester Bruski and Raymond Bruski.


Burial Date: December 31, 2002
Funeral Home Ekalaka, MT

Funeral Mass: St. John’s Catholic Church, Bake