Henry D. Wruck & Darlene F. Wruck
Henry “Hank” D. Wruck, 85, of Bozeman passed away Sat. Feb. 10, 2018, followed by his wife Darlene F. Wruck, 78, Sun. Feb. 11, 2018. Over their 61 years of marriage, they created much laughter and countless memories. They will be greatly missed.
Hank was born on March 15, 1932 in Ennis, Mont., to Henry “Heinie” and Ruth (Cutler) Wruck. He began his education in a one-room school house near the Montana Power Company Dam in Madison Canyon. The family moved to Norris and he attended school there.
In January of 1945 they moved to Bozeman where he attended Irving school and subsequently graduated from Gallatin County High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War on the USS Stickel and USS Bremerton. He was honorably discharged in April of 1955.
Hank attended MSU and worked at various jobs until 1957. In 1958, he joined the Bozeman Fire Department and spent 18 years as devoted fireman, ultimately rising to the rank of captain. Ill health resulting from a heart attack necessitated his early retirement. Upon recovery, he became the Gallatin County Disaster and Emergency Service Director, serving in that position from 1975 until his retirement in 1994. Throughout his life he was a dedicated and conscientious worker.
Hank was a founding member of the Hawk Booster Club, a long-time member of the American Legion and the Masonic Lodge. He was an avid skillful fisherman, enjoyed horses and racing, read voraciously, but most of all was a dedicated family man. Hank taught his children practical skills and discipline, which has served them well in life. Wherever he travelled, he let people know he was a proud Montanan. He was kind, well respected and liked in the community. He was a loving husband and father and above all loved God.
Darlene was born on June 7, 1939 in Belgrade, Mont., to James and Elsie (Davis) Francis. Darlene was a maternal descendent of John and Elizabeth Courts who were original settlers in the Reese Creek settlers in 1864. The family moved to Manhattan where she attended the public school and graduated from the eighth grade. She attended and graduated from Gallatin County High School after the family moved to Bozeman. Following her marriage to Hank she became a homemaker and mother to Joni, Jim, Joy and Jan.
She was an active mother who attended school functions, helped with homework, and encouraged achievements. She was proud of her home and taught her children to assist in its operation. She created warm and loving home for the family. Home skills were important to her and she was both an accomplished cook and seamstress. She wanted her children to be responsible caring adults by showing them a good example.
In 1967, Darlene entered the workforce and obtained a position in the College of Agriculture office at MSU. She worked in the Dean’s office her entire career and rose to become Executive Administrative Assistance to the Dean. In 1993, she was named Montana State University Employee of the Year. She retired in 1995. Darlene enjoyed her years of work at MSU and was a true Bobcat fan. After retirement, she worked part-time in the office of the Bozeman Symphony and enjoyed both her job and the concerts. In whatever job she held, she had the natural ability and desire to make other people look good.
Hank and Darlene were partners in love and life. They worked together to build a loving family and home. Hank often took the lead and Darlene gave him support. Their lives were entwined to the very end.
Hank was preceded in death by his father in 1963, mother in 1964 and daughter, Joy in 2015. He is survived by one brother, Earl Wruck of Tyler, Texas.
Darlene was preceded in death by her older brother, Jimmy in 1939, father in 1941, mother in 1997, sisters, Thelma Cass in 2015, Dorothy Barner in 2016 and daughter, Joy in 2015. She is survived by one brother, Carl Francis.
Hank and Darlene are survived by 3 children, 9 grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank all our parent’s caregivers for their kind assistance.
A ceremony will be held on Sat., Aug. 25th, 2018. Time and location will be announced at a later time in Bozeman Daily Chronicle. Please send donation in lieu of flowers to Compassus - Hospice Care or Parkinson Foundation (www.parkinson.org). Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Services. www.dokken-nelson.com.