Brian Berube

Brian Richard Berube, 68, passed away surrounded by family and friends at St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck, ND on October 10, 2024, after a brief illness. 

Brian was born January 18,1956 in Rolla, the son of Edward and Evelyn (Vandal) Berube. 

Brian attended Rolette Highschool, and his senior year (1974) married Robin Johnson with whom he had his first two daughters, Bobby Jo and Tangy. After graduation they moved to Wahpeton for him to attend NDSCS where he studied to be an electrician. After college they moved back to Rolette, and he worked as an electrician for a short time until farming called his name. 

Along with farming, Brian started his business endeavors. In 1979 Brian along with his good friend Jimmy Mongeon took over BJ Floral Shop in Rolette. In 1985 he purchased the Rolette Meat Market, and it operated until 1996 when it was lost to a fire. 

In 1986 Brian married Trish Griffin and had his third daughter, McKenzie. 

While he continued to grow his farming operation in Rolette, in 1991 Brian and his partner in crime Augie Kersten and Rick Kersten bought The Lonesome Dove located in Mandan, and is still in operation to this date. In 1993 the three of them purchased Whiskey River in East Grand Forks, MN. 

In 2001 Brian bought a second farm in Mandan and expanded his farming operation further with a focus on Black Angus Cattle. 

In 2005 he added the Hideaway Bar and Grill, and it operates to this date. Along with all that he added rental and commercial properties to his endeavors. 

On December 29, 2020, after being together for 16 years Brian and Risa (Emineth) Bergquist officially blended their two families in a small wedding at their home in Gold Canyon, AZ. He was always so proud that he planned that wedding along with the help of his sister-in-law, Terri. 

Brian was known for his sense of humor; he always had a witty comment. He had a smile that would light up a room. Brian loved being surrounded by his friends, talking about how his Minnesota Vikings were going to win the Super Bowl. Brian had a passion for hunting, and he was the best shot in town, one and done he would say. One of his favorite things to do was take long drives and look at his wheat fields and have stare downs with his cattle. 

For those that were lucky enough to know him and earn their place at the round table knew he loved big and would do anything for them. His big, gruff persona was just a cover because in reality he was a big, soft hearted, loving man with big bear paws! 

Brian is survived by his wife, Risa; daughters, Bobby Jo Sollie (Bryan), Tangy Rutledge (Nathan) and McKenzie Berube; stepkids, Matthew Emineth (Jesse), Desarae Bergquist, Keyla Bergquist and Justin Bergquist; grandchildren, Hailey, William, Nolan, Carter, Laynie, Chaxton, Tony and Bennett; siblings, Sharon Austel, Gary, Perry, Timmy (Michelle); brother-in-law, Myron Lenertz and sister-in-law Glennis; along with many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Evelyn Berube; brother, Eldon; sister, Brenda; brother-in-law, Otto; sister-in-law, June; and grandson, Archie. 

A funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 17 at Church of Corpus Christi, 1919 N Second St, Bismarck. A livestream of the Funeral Mass will be available on the church's YouTube, available here: https://www.youtube.com/c/CorpusBismarck

Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 19 at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Rolette. Celebration of life to follow at the Wagon Wheel.