Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Stanley Peter Buzalsky Sr., of Fargo and Amidon, North Dakota, passed away on March 19, 2026, surrounded by the love and presence of his family. Born on May 26, 1936, and one of thirteen children, Stanley lived a life shaped by resilience, devotion, and an unwavering bond with the land that raised him.
A Life Rooted in the Land
From an early age, Stanley found his purpose in farming and ranching. The rhythm of the seasons became the rhythm of his life. He cherished the smell of freshly turned soil each spring and the quiet thrill of watching crops break through the earth. Lambing season brought him particular joy—new life, new beginnings, and the reminder of why he loved the work so deeply.
His hands told the story of a man who understood the land, respected it, and gave it everything he had. Even after moving to eastern North Dakota, his passion never faded. At age 67, he began working for Scott Henricks as a farmhand, once again tending to the soil and watching crops grow. He continued working until finally retiring and moving into an elder community in Fargo around 2017.
Stanley was also a skilled butcher, serving families from Rhame to Bowman to Amidon. His steady hands and generous spirit made him a trusted presence during livestock harvests. He didn’t just process meat—he passed down a craft, teaching his children the skills he had mastered over a lifetime.
Joy in Simple Moments
Stanley found some of his greatest happiness around a table with family and friends, a deck of cards in hand. He could play for hours—laughing, teasing, and savoring the company of those he loved. In his later years, he discovered a fondness for the thrill of slot machines, enjoying regular casino trips with his friend Sandy on Richard’s Bus and monthly overnight stays.
His grandsons ensured he stayed connected to the world beyond home, taking him fishing, bringing him to events in the Fargo–Moorhead area, and creating memories that will be treasured for years. Visits from his out-of-state grandchildren brought him pure joy—especially when they played cards or took him to his favorite restaurant, HuHot.
Family and Legacy
Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Ethel Buzalsky; his beloved wife, Dolly (Geraldine); his daughter, Rhonda; and siblings Agnus Nadvornik, Anthony “Tony” Buzalsky, Clarence “Buzz” Buzalsky, David Buzalsky, Richard “Dickie” Buzalsky, Cecilia Dworshak, and Mary Buzalsky.
He is survived by his children:
· Shelley Treib, her husband Tim, and their sons Micheal and Matthew
· Steve Buzalsky, and his children River and Camden
· Sherry Doan, her significant other Steve, and her son Jake and daughter Jordan
· Stanley Buzalsky Jr., and his wife Carol
He is also survived by his sisters Mary Anne Malarchek, Margret Miler, and Jane Fisher; his brothers Ted Buzalsky and Martin Buzalsky; and many extended family members and friends who will forever hold his memory close.
Remembering Stanley
Stanley was a man of quiet strength, steady presence, and unwavering loyalty. He lived with purpose, worked with pride, and loved with a sincerity that left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the stories he shared, and the love he gave so freely.
Celebration of Life
A celebration of Stanley’s life will be held Friday, March 27th, at the VFW in West Fargo, ND, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., where stories will be shared and memories honored. A funeral service will take place on March 28th at 10:00 a.m. at West Funeral Home (321 Sheyenne St, West Fargo), with visitation one hour prior. A small service at the Amidon Cemetery will be held this spring for those wishing to gather and remember him in the place he long-called home.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to Farm Rescue.
Visitation: Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.
Memorial Service: Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.
Interment: St. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Amidon, ND by family at a later date.
West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center
westfuneralhome.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stanley Buzalsky, Sr., please visit our floral store.