Ronald R. Brost, 69 Gladstone, died Thursday, December 13, 2012 at Sanford Health, Bismarck. Ron’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 17, 2012 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Fr. Todd Kreitinger as the celebrant. Inurnment will take place at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a vigil at 6 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, with Deacon Ron Keller presiding.
On April 13, 1943, Ronald Raymond Brost was born in Dickinson, to Ray and Elizabeth (Sickler) Brost. He was raised in Gladstone and attended Gladstone Elementary and Gladstone High School where he played basketball for the Hornets. After leaving school in 1955, he started working on the family farm and for area farmers until 1964. At that time, Ron could also be found working with his dad at Farmers Union Oil as a mechanic and gas truck driver in Gladstone. This was just the beginning of his career as an outstanding mechanic. Ron continued to display his skill and talent while working at Dickinson Cenex and then at Dickinson Tire until his time of retirement in 1999. Sitting at home just wasn’t for him, so he began working for the City of Gladstone as the city “care taker”. He did everything from running and repairing equipment to managing the towns sewer, water and street maintenance. A daily tour of town was always on the to do list just to make sure all was well and maybe give the occasional curb side advice.
On June 25, 1966 Ron was married to Marie Miller at St Phillip’s Parish in Hirschville. Together, they made their home in Gladstone and were blessed with three children, Joan, Aaron and Carey. Ron was a family man and loved his family with his whole heart. Favorite times were spent with his kids and grandkids. He was so proud of each and every one of them.
Ron was an active member of the Gladstone Fire Department. He dedicated 50 years to this service. In addition, he served as a fire board member. Ron was a member of the Gladstone city council, Knights of Columbus, Eagles, 4-H, and St. Patrick’s Church.
Ron enjoyed time camping and fishing at the farm, hunting, listening to old time music, playing computer games and of course fixing anything that needed a little fixing. He rarely missed spending morning hours with the Sidetrack coffee club. Ron loved spending time helping others. He always seemed to find the time to help anyone who needed a little “Ronny” advice on what could be wrong with their piece of farm equipment, or vehicle, or appliance or even a little leaky pipe. If it was broke, he wouldn’t give up till it was fixed. He loved the challenge and was extremely proud of some of his unique inventions.
In the time that he was here, Ron touched the lives of many people as well as their cars and tractors. He was loved by all who had the privilege to know him. He will be greatly missed.
Ron is survived by his loving wife, Marie of Gladstone; children, Joan (Scott) Pribyl, Rapid City, S.D., Aaron (Tania) Brost of Gladstone, Carey (Ryan) Praus of Killdeer; grandchildren, Andrew and Allie Pribyl, Tanielle and Ian Brost, Samantha and Meghan Praus; great-grandson Gavynn Maas; mother, Elizabeth Brost of Dickinson; brothers Gerald (Jeralyn) Brost of Chippewa Falls, Wis., Allan (Diane) Brost of Dickinson; sister Laverne (Rick) Kaufman of Bismarck; and numerous nieces and nephews and friends. Preceded in death by, his father Ray Brost, mother and father-in-law Mary and Alex Miller.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to the Cardiac Rehab at St. Joseph’s Hospital & Health Center, or to the Gladstone Fire Department.
