Howard Henry Armbruster passed away peacefully following a lengthy illness on May 21, 2012 surrounded by his loving wife and children.
Howard was born on February 26, 1930 in Hager City, Wisconsin, and spent his first twenty years growing up on a dairy farm. He served in the Air Force for four years during the Korean War. During this time, he met the love of his life and wife of 57 years, Rosemary Kraus. They were married in Great Falls, Montana on June 5, 1954. They purchased Cut Bank Greenhouse and Floral in Cut Bank, MT in 1955. Howard was very active in the community during his nearly 40 years in business in Cut Bank. He was a member of the Cut Bank Volunteer Fire Department, the Cut Bank School Board, the Cut Bank Elks Lodge, the Knights of Columbus, and the St. Margaret’s Catholic Community. In 1977, he served as president of the Montana Florist Association. In 1996, he was named Citizen of the Year by the Cut Bank Chamber of Commerce. He was instrumental in keeping the train depot open in Cut Bank so that businesses and others in the community could continue getting service by Amtrak. In 2000, he and his wife Rosemary moved to Helena, where he worked for Power Townsend in the floral department for five years. Howard was an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed most sports, but especially those in which his children or grandchildren participated.
He is survived by his wife, Rosemary; his seven children: Tom (Patrice) Armbruster of Helena, MT, Ron (Jeanne) Armbruster of Cannon Beach OR, Judy (Bill) Simons of Helena, MT, John (Lynne) Armbruster, of Snohomish, WA, Jill (Ross) Grubb of Bozeman, MT, Mary (Bryan) Walters of Meridian, ID, and Nancy (Thane) Johnson of Kalispell, MT; his 23 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, John Henry Armbruster; mother, Gertrude Matzek Armbruster; brother, Bernard Armbruster; and sister, Georgia Mae Hildebrandt.
Howard was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. His passion for people and incredible sense of humor were a gift to all who knew him. The family is extremely grateful to Dr. Thomas Weiner, the oncology nurses both in the hospital and the clinic, the RT’s, and other St. Peter’s Hospital staff for the exceptional care given to him during his illness.
A vigil service will be held at 7p.m.Wednesday, May 23, at St. Mary Catholic Community. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 24, at St. Mary Catholic Community with burial and military honors to follow at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception to celebrate Howard’s life will immediately follow the burial in the reception hall of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Memorials in Howard’s name may be made to St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or the Cut Bank ELKS Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 2117, Cut Bank, MT 59427. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences.
A Grade Schooler on the bus says
Every morning I could depend on the bus to be at the end of the driveway. Howard knew that sometimes it was a struggle for me to get my 2 younger siblings fed, dressed and the outside chores done. He never honked impatiently.
The ‘Frank Hemmingway news’ was always on the radio which ended with the “coldest spot in the nation”. Howard and I always smiled proudly when we heard “Cut Bank Montana”.
Howard was respectful, patient and kind to all of us. I think of him often, even after all these years. I went to C.B a few years ago to say hello and thank him, but the store wasn’t his anymore. I’m sorry I didn’t know you had moved to Helena. I would have visited often.
Thanks for the memories and for being a positive role model, Howard. We knew you would always be there, even when it was 48 below.
Alana & Larry LaRock says
Judy & Bill, We just learned of your Dad’s passing. Our prayers are with you at this most difficult time. It is so hard to let go of our loved ones.
Alana & Larry LaRock
Annie Tavary says
I love you all. I am so sorry. I have you in my prayers and wrapped in my love. Howard was a wonderful man and I will miss knowing he is walking this earth. It is so sad to have to say goodbye to a loving husband, father and grandfather and friend. Be good to yourselves.
Barbara A Wagner says
When I think of my Uncle Howie, I always smile. He was so happy, positive, and very, very funny. I feel fortunate to have known Howie.
Aunt Rosie, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Kemmerer-Degross says
Rosie & family –
Im very sorry to hear about Howard,at least he is over the fight and pain. I’m sure him and Grandma are having a good ole time up their. They are in a good safe place. I am so happy mom made it out their for you, its just to bad it had to be for this reason. He was a great guy. Take Care!!
Love Brenda, Brady & Briana
Brenda Schnittgen and Family says
Simons and Armbruster Family. I am so sorry for the loss of Howard. He was a great man with a wonderful, loving family who I feel blessed to have known. He was always so kind and had the best smile. One thing is for sure, Heaven’s beauty will be taken up several notches once he gets finished planting his garden. Our love and prayers to each and every one of you during this difficult time.
Brian & Raquel Kemmerer says
Rosemary & Family
We were so sorry to hear about Howard’s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. You have our deepest sympathy. Rembering wonderful memomeries of him.
Love
Brian & Raquel
Bridget Hines says
So sorry to hear about Howard’s passing. He is now in good hands and all pain is gone. I am so happy my Mom made it to Montana for the services. She always has a great time seeing and visiting with everyone. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Ben & Bridget (Kemmerer) Hines
Charlie Wagner says
Dear Aunt Rosie,
I am celebrating the life of a truly great guy who I have so many fond memories of. Please accept my condolences and know that Howie will be missed by many.
CONNIE AND CLIFF BECKMAN says
Dear Rosemary and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Howard. You are in my prayers during this most sad time. Howard always treated me with such kindness and love as he served his customers with such joy. He will be missed by so many people. He is a peace surrounded by the love of Jesus Christ his Savior and Lord.
Debbie Ehlert says
I know I speak for many here in Cut Bank that have very fond memories of Howard. I still use his gardening advice to this day. All your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Harry and Debbie Ehlert
Holly, Marcus & Maguire Peters
Tim, Sarah & Henry Ehlert
Edward Meardon says
I’m so sorry to hear that Howard died. I was one of the respiratory therapists that took care of him, and he was always appreciative of our services. You all have my (and all the respiratory therapists at St. Pete’s) deepest sympathies. May God bless and support you during this difficult time.
Fran Wagner says
Uncle Howie was one of the really good guys. He was fun and funny, and I always enjoyed seeing him him. I regret that I didn’t do that more often. My condolences to my sweet Aunt Rosie, and all the Kraus kids and grandkids. Your family’s loss is Heaven’s gain. God only takes the best, you know.
Gail DeBono says
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to know Howard very well but I know from Kayla what a wonderful man he was. He will live on in our hearts and memories.
Gail DeBono
John Etchart says
Judy and all:
Your Daddy was a fine, fine fellow and he leaves such a wonderful family and the lovely Rosemary. I know you will all miss him so…I’m sorry, John
larry Bonderud says
Armbruster Family:
Very sorry to hear of Howard’s death. He was a wonderful person and a true Montanan. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Larry Bonderud
Mark, Kellie Samson and family says
Judy and family,
we were sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you–we will always remember how supportive he was in the lives of all his children and grandchildren!
Newman and Colleen Hoff says
Rosemary and family. We were truly saddened to hear of Howard’s passing. We were blessed to have you as neighbors and I was grateful to have Ron and Judy as classmates. Our prayers are with you.
Rod and Judy (Epstein) Siring says
Armbruster family-
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hold close to your hearts all the wonderful memories and know that he lives on in all of you. He was an amazing man and raised an amazing family. God bless you in the days ahead and know that we are lifting you up in prayer.
Roy & LaVonne Brown says
We are saddened to learn of the death of the nicest,kindest man we will ever know..
Our Lord is holding his hand now as the angels came to take him to his heavenly home.
God show HIS comfort to you Rosemary and your family.
Our deepest most sincere sympathy Roy& LaVonne Brown
Teri Lee Scotton says
Rosie,Tom,Ron,Judy,John,Jill,Nancy,Mary & families,
I just learned of Howard’s passing a few hours ago. Please know that my heart goes out to all of you. He was truly a wonderful man, always smiling and laughing. He really cared about people. You will all be in my thoughts & prayers.
I called Lisa. I know she will be sad to hear my message. She would definitely want you to know she sends her love and that Howard will be missed. She will be thinking & praying for you all as well.
I’d like to mention that Lisa’s fiance, Bruce, has been battling brain cancer for nearly two years. Please put them in your prayers as well.
Love to all.
Teri Lee Scotton says
Dear Guestbook Manager,
The former entry was to be marked Private Entry…but it didn’t go through the first time & it must’ve changed to Public Entry.
If it’s possible to remove the entry to Private…I would truly apprecaite it. The mention of Lisa’s fiancee was not public knowledge.
Thank you so very much.
Teri
Tom & Lorette Carter says
Dear Armbruster family,
We were so sorry to read of Howard’s passing. He truly was a kind and caring man. He and Rosemary were so good to us when we owed Shelby Floral. He cared so much for his family, friends and community. Know that God has wrapped his loving arms around Howard and taken him home. God bless and comfort you all.
Tom and Lorette Carter