Theodore Bruha

Funeral Service for Theodore ?Ted? Bruha, 89, of Baker, MT will be at 11:00 a. m. on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 in the Chapel of Stevenson Funeral Home in Baker with the Reverend Father Thomas Tobin officiating. Interment will follow in the Bonnievale Cemetery at Baker. Military Rites will be provided by the Baker American Legion Post and the Montana Army National Guard Honor Guard. Visitation will be 2:00 p. m. to 9:00 p. m. on Tuesday, October 26th, with a Family and Friends Service at 7:00 p. m. Ted passed away on Friday evening, October 22, 2010, at the Fallon Medical Complex in Baker, MT. Ted was born on May 27, 1921 the son of Theodore and Barbara (Pergler) Bruha on the family ranch northeast of Baker, Montana. He was the third child of seven siblings born. Ted attended the O?Donnell country school riding horseback 5 ? miles, one way. On June 19, 1942, Ted was drafted into the United States Army during WW II and served with the 1st Platoon, 81st Cavalry Wildcat Reconnaissance Troop, Infantry Division. Upon returning from the southern Philippines after 3 years, 6 months, and 26 days he was honorably discharged. Ted came back to Baker and continued to follow his lifelong dream of being a cowboy and working the ranch with his dad and brother, Eddie. Ted married his life long partner, Laura Mae Stark on July 31, 1954 in Baker. They moved to the family ranch were they lived in the original homestead before building a new home in 1956. They were blessed with three wonderful children, Doug, Rita and Julie. After selling the Bruha ranch in 1977 they moved to Baker. Ted began his trucking business, hauling grain, feed and livestock for farmers and ranchers for the next 26 years. In 2003 at the age of 82 and thousands of miles Ted retired. After retirement Ted enjoyed not having to get out and endure the cold weather. He also enjoyed visiting at the local garage and the coffee shops. Ted always had a story or a joke ready to be told. He was always bold at voicing his view on any topic. Ted was very proud to have served his country and would encourage everybody to vote. Ted?s greatest love in life was for his loving wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dad/Grandpa was very special and will leave a void in our hearts. He has been our rock and hero throughout our lives. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Laura, Baker, MT; a son, Doug (Teresa) Bruha, Baker; two daughters, Rita (Bill) Hanley, Baker and Julie (Phil) Frieling, Huntley, MT; grandchildren, Guy Bruha, Denver, CO, April Bruha, Baker, Neal (Jodi) Hanley, Frazee, MN, Kourtney Hanley (fianc?e Nathan Stortz), Casper, WY, Tyrell, Garrett and Lauren Frieling all of Huntley, Shauna (James) Winchell, Billings; great grandchildren, Morgan and Jillian Hanley and Drew, Brady and Samantha Winchell; a brother, Eddie (Regina) Bruha, Buffalo, SD; and three sisters, Helen Schueler, Baker, Lillian (Tom) Byrne, Denton, MT and Theresa (John) Schneider, Libby, MT; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Marie Rambur and Barbara Byrne. A special thank you for touching Dad?s and our lives.


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Burial Date: October 27, 2010
Funeral Home Baker, MT

Funeral Service: Wednesday, Chapel of Stevenson Funeral Home, Baker, MT