Bud Bruzek

Roland John “Bud” Bruzek of Alexandria was born to John and Grace Bruzek May 22, 1947. Bud was raised on the family farm in “Bohunk Hills” until moving into town at age 6. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria. Bud was a very smart man, upon graduating Jefferson High School Bud went on to graduate with an Economics/Business major at Minnesota State University Moorhead in 1970.

Bud always had a business mind since he was young.  His first ever job other than working on the farm was delivering newspapers. He had accumulated so many accounts that he was able to hire his friends to help. As much fun as they had, Bud had kept this up long enough to pay for his college degree.  After his years in college Bud then went to the Holiday Inn in Alexandria and applied.  At the time they were not hiring but Bud was persistent and walked right into the General manager’s office and asked for a job “I’ll do anything, dishwasher if need be, I’ll work my way up so that someday I will have your job”.  That is just what he did the Holiday Inn then created a job for him as a “Materdee” in the restaurant. Within time Bud worked his way to become Regional Director for Frontier Enterprise at (Holiday Inn, Alexandria, Fergus Falls, and Eveleth MN, as well as Erie Junior of Detroit Lakes, MN.)

Within working at the Holiday Inn for over 30 years, he had met his wife, Trish Morgan. They were then married March 14, 1987.  Bud and Trish had four children, Brittney 30 of Roseville, Geoffrey 28 of Alexandria, Gracie 25 of Alexandria and Sarah 21 of Alexandria. After having children Bud and Trish decided to go into business for themselves.

Starting in 1990, they purchased the Village Inn Sports Bar in Glenwood. Followed by the Office Bar & Café in Villard, The Kensington Bar & Café in Kensington. In 1999 the Garfield Pub was purchased. Bud LOVED to work! He didn’t stay idol too long.

Bud was a successful business-man but what he truly loved was the gift of his family. His family was his pride and joy. He was an avid sports fan for all of his Children’s events, he loved the outdoors, snowmobiling, water skiing and especially mowing lawns.  Most importantly Bud was at peace when he knew his family was together.

Roland “Bud” Bruzek unexpectedly died on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at the age of 70 years old.  He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Trish Bruzek of Alexandria; children, Britt Bruzek of Roseville, Geoff Bruzek of Alexandria, Gracie Bruzek of Chicago, IL, and Sarah Bruzek of Alexandria; sister, Judy (Gary) Halberg of Roseville; nieces and nephews, Justin Halberg, Christopher Halberg, Amber Halberg, Kayla Halberg, all of Roseville; great nephew, Lyle Halberg of Roseville; Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 11 AM at Arrowwood Resort Hotel and Conference Center.  A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 from 4-7 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home and also for one hour prior to the service at Arrowwood Resort Hotel and Conference Center on Thursday. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.  Casket Bearers were Cory Logan, Richard Blakeman, John Logan, Edward Blakman, Lee Blair, Nick Paulmen, Ken Neuman, and Beth Housen.  Honorary Casket Bearers were Scott Fee, Jon Sieve, Stu Wood, Eric Elbe, Cory Sutton, Angie Schwartz, Della Johnson and staff at Village Inn Sports Bar, Roxann Lucas and staff at Office Bar and Café, Bonnie Dillon, Betty Lundstrom and staff at Garfield Pub, Rick Miller and staff at Kensington Bar and Café.

Special thanks to Charlie Pauman, Cathy Blair, Ed Blakeman, Beth Housen, Richard Blakeman, Creations, and Arrowwood Resort Hotel and Conference Center.