Buddy Smilonich, 95, Sauk Rapids, formerly of Brainerd

September 24, 1919 - July 14, 2015

Memorial Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2015 at Ridgeview Place in Sauk Rapids for Buddy Smilonich who passed away peacefully at Ridgeview Place in Sauk Rapids surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, July 14, 2015. Burial will be with full military honors at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2015 at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Brainerd. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids.

Buddy was born Sept. 24, 1919 in Trommald, MN to Sam and Sophie (Lubobradovich) Smilonich. Growing up and living in the Crosby/ Ironton area, he excelled in baseball, basketball and running in track. After graduating from high school he received an athletic scholarship to North Dakota State University. He enlisted in the Army and served his country honorably in WWII, receiving a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star, among other medals and honors including a battlefield commission to 2nd Lieutenant. At the conclusion of WWII, he entered the Army Reserve where he then retired as Captain after 10 years. Upon returning home to Minnesota, he married Donalda “Donnie” Lofgren on Dec. 10, 1948 in Brainerd and they made their home in Brainerd for over 60 years. Buddy worked as a watch and clock maker and repair man for Ashman’s jewelry for a number of years, before owning and operating Bud’s Jewelry in Brainerd for over 30 years. He was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for 50 years. Buddy and Donnie moved to the St. Cloud area in 2009. He was intelligent, well read and a graceful writer and story teller. Buddy enjoyed pitching in baseball and softball and playing horseshoes, cribbage and working on crossword puzzles throughout his life. He had a likeable, charming quality about himself that will be cherished forever.

Survivors include his grandchildren, Debbie (Dave) Henkemeyer and Greg Anderson; great grandchildren, Abby (Tyson) Splittstoesser, Noelle, Elise, Ellie and Hannah Henkemeyer and Stephanie and Kayla Anderson; great-great grandchildren, Charlotte and Oliver Splittstoesser; and brothers, George of Montana and Robert of Pelican Rapids. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donalda on July 25, 2014; daughter, Elene Anderson; son-in-law, John Anderson; grandson, Terry Jon Anderson; great grandson, John David Henkemeyer; brothers, Leonard, Nick, Eli, Milan and sister, Nada Manning.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Ridgeview Place and of St. Croix Hospice for the excellent care that was given to Buddy.