Evarist J. Ruzicka

Evarist J. Ruzicka, age 87 of Grafton, ND passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at the Unity Medical Center of Grafton.

Evarist was born November 8, 1938 in Walsh County, ND, the son of the late John and Josie (Greicar) Ruzicka. He grew up and attended school near Pisek, ND and graduated from Pisek High School. He enlisted in the US Army where he served from 1958-1963. Upon his discharge he returned to Grafton, ND. He was united in marriage to Katherine Watkins on October 5, 1968. He worked for Church Chevrolet as auto body tech until 1981 when he began working as a custodian for Grafton Public Schools. After retiring in 2001, he helped his son Chad with his lawnmowing business for many years. Kathy passed away in 2020 and he moved into the Lutheran Sunset Home in November 2024.

He was a member of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton and the Grafton American Legion. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trap shooting, and racing.

Evarist is survived by his children: Kaley (Jamie) Steidl, Fargo, ND and Chad (Jaci) Ruzicka, Grafton, ND; grandchildren: Hana, Liam, Leighton, and Andrew Steidl, Abby (Nathan) Linstad, Jacob (Paige) Niemann, Matthew Niemann, and Marcus (Amber) Niemann; great grandchildren: Nova, Haven, David, and Beckett; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Kathy; brother Leonard; and sister Martha Botner.

A visitation will be Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 5-7 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. A prayer service and military rites will follow at 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be at the St. Luke’s Catholic Cemetery of Veseleyville.