Emil Bruzek

Emil Paul Bruzek was born in Alexandria, Minnesota on May 26, 1923. Emil grew up on the family farm in Forada where as a child he loved to fish and roam the countryside with his beloved dog. He attended country school but he was a self-educated man. Asthma kept him out of World War II, a fact that always bothered him. Emil was united in marriage to Katherine Walsh on August 18, 1947 at St. Mary's in Alexandria. Shortly after that, Emil and Katherine followed the Oregon Trail to Eugene, where they lived for a year. Following this adventure, they returned to Alexandria where he began his life-long career as a master carpenter. For 35 years, he custom-built and remodeled 100s of homes in the metro area. After "retiring" he continued with woodworking projects ("he always had a project"), stained glass, wood carvings, furniture-building, and taxidermy. As a gardener, he took great pride in planting trees wherever Emil and Katherine lived. In the '50s, Emil became acquainted with the second love of his life: the golf course. Many of his dearest friends were met and made on the fairway. He enjoyed nothing more than a h-o-t, humid day playing golf with family and friends. Our biggest regret is that he never knew the thrill of a hole-in-one. Emil believed a man could never have too many tools or too many putters! Emil is preceded in death by his brother Paul, and his sister Camilla Sylvester. He is survived by his wife Katherine, children Linda, Larry (Reba); grandsons Pete (Lindsey), Tedd, Casey, Stuart; and many loving friends and family. Parish Prayer service was held on Monday, September 28, 2009, 5:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, September 29, 2009, 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary?s Catholic Church with Father Steve Binsfeld officiating. Burial was at St. Mary?s Cemetery in Alexandria.