Richard Ruzich

Richard “Dick” Ruzich, 84, of Baxter, passed away with his family beside him at St. Otto’s Care Center in Little Falls, on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. Funeral services will be at 11am on Wednesday, May 26 at Park United Methodist Church in Brainerd. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, May 25 from 5-7 pm at Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter.

Dick (aka: Bootsie or Papa) was born on February 21, 1937 to Frank and Mary Ruzich in Crosby, MN. He graduated from Crosby Ironton High School in 1955, and married his high school sweetheart, Janet Harrison, on July 06, 1957. He was the devoted father of two children. Dick served in the Army Reserves for 12 years and worked for 35 years designing highways for MnDOT. He was very knowledgeable, and was able to use his skills in building his family's home on Mary Street. He enjoyed the outdoors, his lake home, hunting, winter spearfishing, traveling, and camping. Dick was an avid sports fan, whether it was participating or watching and he loved attending his children’s and grandchildren's many activities.

He is survived by his loving wife Janet, of 63 years; son Frank (Joy) Ruzich, and grandchildren, Hanna, Jenna, Miranda, and great-grandchild Ada Marie; and daughter Jackie (Tom) Johnson and grandchildren Marah and Bryce.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, sister Rosalie Nelson, and infant sister Aldean.