Ervin A. Praus, 73, Dickinson, died Thursday, April 25, 2013 at Sanford Health, Bismarck, with his family at his side. Ervin’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Monday, April 29, 2013 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Keith Streifel as the celebrant, and Fr. Dennis Schaefer as con-celebrant. Interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Dickinson Honors Team. Visitation will be on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, and will continue on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, with a rosary led by Deacon Ron Keller & vigil with Fr. Keith Streifel presiding at 3 p.m.

Ervin Anton Praus was born on February 21, 1940 to Tony J. and Katherine (Keller) Praus on the family farm southwest of Dickinson.  He graduated from Ash Coulee Farm School and was later employed by Dakota Maid. He completed training for the National Guard in Fort Leonard Wood, MO.  Upon returning he was employed by Western Livestock for 47 years (28 years of which, he served as yard  foreman). He married Celestine Urlacher on September 30, 1963 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New England.  He attended Auctioneering School in Mason City, Iowa.  After receiving his Auction License, he started his own business, Praus Brothers Auction Service, and auctioned for 45 years.  They lived in Dickinson where they raised their family and in 1981 moved to the country, where they farmed and ranched.  He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, a stockholder at Western Livestock, and a member of the German Hungarian Club and the Eagles Club. He enjoyed auctioneering, farming and raising all kinds of livestock and birds, spending time with his faithful dog “Mickey”, and never missing an opportunity to spoil the grandchildren.  His most recent residence was at Hawks Point in Dickinson, where he enjoyed playing cards, listening to old-time music, and spending time with his grandchildren, family and friends.

He is survived by his eight children, Pat (Pam) Praus, Lefor, Elaine (Craig) Cook, Hewitt, Texas, Rhonda (Joe) Hatzenbuehler, Pasco, Wash., Julie (Mark) Synnes, South Heart, Anita (Jeff) Hondl,  Wayne (Jonna) Praus, Sheila (Daryl) Kostelecky, and Cheryl (Steve) Binstock, all of Dickinson; 29 grandchildren, Travis, Alicia, Dillon and Grace Praus, Christopher and Shawn Cook, Diane Krebs, Dean and Travis Hatzenbuehler, Chandler, Brady and Wyatt Synnes, Chance, Dustin, Cody, Colten and Ashley Hondl, Alyssa Hanson, Alex and Abby Praus, Kyle, Lance and Sarah Kostelecky, Brittany, Zachery, Isaac, Bailey, McKenzie and Eli Binstock; and also Sally Praus. He is also survived by his mother Katherine Praus; four brothers, Ernie (Fran), Eddie (Leona), Allen (Darlene), and Gerald (Carrie) Praus; and sister-in-law Eleanor Praus.

He was preceded in death by his father, Tony J. Praus; brother, Tony Praus JR.; grandchildren Dalton Praus, MaryAnn Krebs; and great-granddaughter Kaylee (Krebs) Blankenship.

He had a kind heart for children so in lieu of flowers, a memorial has been set up for Ervin Praus at the “Badlands Right to Life”, donations can be sent to PO Box 445, Dickinson, ND 58601