Howard James Gruszie

Howard James Gruszie, 82, long time farmer and rancher south of Chinook, died June 1st, 2026, in Billings, MT surrounded by his family at the home of his daughter Pamela Monaco. Howard was born August 13, 1943, in Havre, MT to Edwin and Louise Gruszie and then married Cheryl Chapman October 30th, 1964. They lived and raised their family south of Chinook. Howard is survived by his children Lisa Gruszie of Billings, MT, Vince Gruszie (Alisha) Havre, MT, Kathryn Costello (John) of Seattle, WA, and Pamela Monaco (Dan) of Billings, MT, 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters, Rosalie Dahl of Chinook, MT, Carolyn Gruszie of Meridian, ID, Louise (Babe) Lannin of Winona, MN and sisters-in-law Janet Gruszie of Chinook, MT, Karen Cleveland (Neal) of Great Falls, MT, brothers-in-law Brett Chapman (Anne Marie) of Missoula, MT, Todd Chapman (Joanne) of Hermiston, OR, and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Howard was preceded in death by his wife Cheryl, parents Edwin and Louise, in laws Harold and Beth Chapman, brothers Clifford and Wesley, brother in laws Howard Dahl, Max Chapman & Doug Chapman, sister -in -law Midge Gruszie, and nephews Wade Gruszie and Scott Dahl. Howard served in the Army National Guard and Reserves from 1961 and was honorably discharged in 1969. In addition to being a skilled farmer, Howard immensely enjoyed gardening and home canning, always sharing his pickles and sauerkraut with everyone. After retiring from the family farm, Howard turned his years of experience with carpentry into becoming a home inspector and did this for many years serving the Hi-Line community. He loved hunting and collecting firearms. Howard had a keen sense of humor and was a prankster. Above all he cherished time with loved ones, sharing stories and memories with friends and family.

A viewing will be held on June 12th @ 5:00 pm at the Wilderness Funeral Home-Chinook 500 Indiana St. Chinook, MT. Funeral services will be held @ 10:00 am on Saturday June 13th @ the American Lutheran Church 537 Ohio St. Chinook, MT. Burial will follow at Kuper

Memorial Cemetery. Immediately following graveside service, a reception will be held at the American Lutheran Church.

The family would like to thank the St John's United Hospice team for the care, compassion and love with which they treated our father.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.