Ronald Brost

Ronald Brost 94, Jamestown, North Dakota, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2015 at Sheyenne Crossings Care Center, West Fargo, ND. Ronald Brost was born March 30, 1921, on a farm five miles east of Kulm, ND. He was the son of Mathilda (Herman) Brost and John Brost. When he graduated from the eighth grade, it was in the middle of the depression; his father was in ill health so he had no chance to attend high school. When his dad died in 1936, the family worked together to save the farm. In World War II, he served with the US Navy in the South Pacific on the USS AE-16 Mount Katmai. Upon discharge, Ron wanted to take a farm course taught at the NI College at Ellendale, attending on the GI Bill. He was asked, "Why not sign of for regular college courses?" He told them, "There's only one reason; I never attended high school!" Ronald was told that they could put him through high school in four days; the GED had just been established at that time. If he passed, he could sign up for the full course. He graduated from college four years later with a BS degree, majoring in industrial arts, and earning minors in natural science, social science, and education. Having a thirst for knowledge, he carried overloads each term and had many more credits than he needed by the time he graduated. Ronald stayed on the farm until 1956, when he left on a seven-year quest searching for more meaning of life. Among his varied jobs: he was a set-up man for a carnival, loaded beer trucks and banana boats, was an office manager and instructor for an insurance company, and was an industrial engineer at Boeing Aircraft Company in Seattle, WA. He took advanced courses at the University of Western Washington in speech, creative writing, and problems in secondary education, among others. He also taught in both elementary and secondary schools. When his mother and his brother became ill, he came back to Kulm and taught shop and ND history for five years while managing the farm. Organizations to which he belonged and had leadership roles were the Lions, Eagles, Kulm Rod and Gun Club, VFW, American Legion and the Kulm Ambulance Corps. He was a training officer and instructor coordinator for EMT's. He was also a member of the selective service board. Ronald belonged to Toastmasters International and earned an Advanced Toastmaster's certificate. He was on the Kulm Centennial Committee in 1992, and wrote several articles for the Kulm Centennial Book. Although he had no family of his own, he became quite active in the lives of people in his community. Ronald would be on the ambulance when folks were taken to the hospital or ER. When someone died, he would be singing at the funeral. If the person was a veteran, he would be on the firing squad or present the US flag to a family member. Ronald was a life-long member of First Congregational Church in Kulm. Ronald played the guitar and sang in quartets and duets. He and his partner, Christine Kruger entertained in church and in nursing homes. He also emceed talent shows, beauty pageants and conventions. Ronald is survived by a sister, Lillian Heinrich, WA; as well as five nieces, Elvera Dame, Eldora Meggs, Marcia Schneider, Mavis Pomeroy, Theresa Palmer; two nephews, Don Goehner and Gordon Heinrich. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Theophil and ElRoy, two sisters, Esther Goehner and Rose Merkel, his partner, Christine Kruger, and many of his friends.

Funeral service: 2:00 PM, Thursday, April 30, 2015 at First Congregational Church, Kulm with Pastor, Ray DeLaurier, officiating.
Visitation and a time of sharing will be at 7:30 PM, Wednesday, April 29 at Eddy Funeral Chapel, Jamestown.
Burial: New Beresina Cemetery, rural Kulm.

Online guest book: www.eddyfuneralhome.com

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