Anton “Tony” Praus Jr., 66, Dickinson, died Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Hospital & Health Center, Dickinson after a courageous battle with cancer, with his family by his side. Tony’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Monday, March 28, 2010 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Father Keith Streifel celebrating. There will be a rosary and vigil at 3 p.m. Sunday with Deacon Tony Wanner presiding at Ladbury Funeral Service. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. Saturday until noon and from noon Sunday until 3 p.m. Military honors will be conducted by the Dickinson Honor Team. Interment will take place later in the spring at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dickinson.

Tony was born July 3, 1944 on the family farm southwest of Dickinson to Tony J. and Katherine (Keller) Praus. He graduated from South Heart High School and then joined the ND National Guard. He married Eleanor Wanner on October 24, 1966 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson. Over the years Tony worked for Western Livestock, Farmers Union Oil, Anfinson’s, West Dakota Oil, and the City of Dickinson.

Tony was a member of the Eagles Club, St. Anthony Club, and Southside Harness Club. Tony enjoyed the time he spent with friends over an early morning cup of coffee, fixing small engines, driving horses, attending cattle auctions, working cattle with friends and traveling the country roads visiting friends, but his favorite times were those special moments he spent with family and friends.

Tony is survived by his wife of 44 years, Eleanor, Dickinson; seven children, Galen (Tammy) Praus, Dickinson, Laurie Praus, Bismarck, Calvin (Renae) Praus, South Heart, Anthony (Stephanie) Praus, Dickinson, Darin Praus, Dickinson, Dean Praus, Dickinson, and Kyle Praus, Dickinson; six grandchildren, Nathan, Annie, Taylor, Shalee, Treysen, and Tysen Praus; his mother, Katherine, Dickinson; five brothers, Ervin, Ernie (Fran), Eddie (Leona), Allen (Darlene), and Gerald (Carrie) Praus.

Tony was preceded in death by his father, Tony J. Praus, his father-in-law, Joe J. Wanner, his mother-in-law, Clara Wanner and one sister-in-law, Marge Galland. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be sent to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 1472, Dickinson, ND, 58601.