Bruno Ostwald

Bruno Alex Ostwald, 70, of Froid died at his home Dec. 17, 2019.

He was born March 13, 1949, to Alexander Ostwald and Gladys Ostwald (Damm) in Williston, N.D. He and his older sister, Flora, were raised on their family farm outside of Froid, where he attended school and graduated in 1967.

After graduating from Froid High School, he joined the Army and served his country honorably. His bravery during the Vietnam war earned him many medals including: Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/ Oak Leaf Cluster, Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14), and Expert (Rifle M-16).

Upon completing his time overseas, he found himself drawn back to his roots where he had a full-time career at the National Guard unit in Culbertson. He married Michelle LaPorte Jan. 27, 1989. He helped raise her three children, Desiree, Amanda, and William and had five children of his own, Rebekah, Rachel, Josiah, Esther and Hannah before they divorced in 2006. With the dedication of 36 years in the service, he retired with honors as Sergeant First Class Bruno Ostwald.

Buying and selling guns was a hobby of his. He routinely cleaned his guns every winter. Reloading bullets was very therapeutic to him and he considered it an art form. Hunting was a sport he enjoyed very much, both bow and rifle.

He always made sure to iterate the agricultural connection to his German roots and found pleasure in gardening. He was a part of the block management program for over 20 years and also participated in wildlife enhancement programs. Many of his days were spent at “the bowl” on his land to tend to his garden, as well as helping the community, however he didn’t ask for recognition and remained humble throughout it all. He was a phenomenal cook, but had a hard time making anything less than required to feed an army.

Reading the Bible was very important to him and he often quoted it.

He was gifted when training his dogs and he shared everything with them.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Rachel; and sister, Flora.

He is survived by his children Desireé Badger of Williston, N.D., Amanda Smith of Bismarck, N.D., William Ostwald of Williston, Rebekah Marquez of Williston, Josiah Ostwald of Williston, Esther Ostwald of Williston and Hannah Ostwald of Williston; five grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 23, at the Froid Lutheran Church. Burial was in the Damm Cemetery between Froid and Culbertson with military honors.