Ralph “Duke” Joseph Dukart Jr. passed away on December 9, 2021, at the age of 72, in St. Vincent Hospital, Billings, MT from complications from a vehicle accident. Family was able to be present and comfort him during his time of passing.
Ralph Dukart was born in Great Falls, MT on May 28, 1949. He was the second child of three, and first son, of Sylvia Huttychuck and Ralph Dukart Sr. He attended grade school in Glendive, MT and would graduate high school from Sacred Heart High School, Miles City in 1968. He would later graduate with an Associates Degree from Miles Community College in 1996. After high school, Ralph would enlist in the US Army and serve in Vietnam.
In 1973, he would marry Donna Barnett in Miles City, where they would live and raise two children David and Katherine. In 1975, he would return to the military for both US Army and Montana National Guard as Sergeant First Class, responsible for Miles City Armory operations, retiring in 1994. He supervised juveniles completing work hours for Miles City work program in the late 1990s. He did conservatorship for many Veterans in the local area. In 2005, he ran for City Judge and maintained that position until 2010.
Ralph gave back to the community by being involved in many groups within Miles City and Montana. He coached youth “Majors” baseball and football for many years. In Little Guy Football he was one of the original coaches and would continue helping as the equipment manager and treasurer until he resigned in 2005. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his contributions which include Annual Chili Feed and dinner/auction. He was part of a volunteer group operating the chains and down markers during CCDHS Varsity Football Games for many years. He was the president of the CCDHS Wrestling Booster Club, assisted local Boy Scout troop with summer camp trips and other outdoor camping overnights.
He was a member of the local American Legion holding multiple officer positions. While involved, he assisted with Eastern Montana Veterans State Cemetery and represented many veteran’s funerals. He helped establish the Sons of American Legion Chapter in Miles City. He also assisted in placing of markers within Custer County for the American Legion Highway Fatality Markers program. Other groups he belonged to include Eagles, VFW, Toast Masters, and many others. His commitment to helping was never ending and he was willing to give the shirt off his back if someone else was in need.
He was a pet owner who loved all his dogs. He enjoyed spending time fishing the Yellowstone with friends and family, maintaining this practice during his lifetime. When Ralph wasn’t watching John Wayne or Rocky on his tv, he was watching sports. He loved to root for his favorite teams, Notre Dame Irish, Pittsburg Steelers, and Atlanta Braves.
Ralph was preceded in death by his sister, Marion Ogler; father, Ralph Dukart Sr., mother, Sylvia Huttychuck; and stepmother, Alma Dukart. Survivors include sister, Delilia Shomaker of Council Bluffs, IA; ex-wife, Donna Dukart of Miles City; children, David Dukart of Carpinteria, CA and Kathy Lindemann of Milesville, SD; grandchildren Devin Lindemann and Ashley Lindemann of Miles City, MT; aunt, Sister Joseph Dukart; nieces Dawn Garrison and Angel Shomaker of Council Bluffs, IA; and nephew Alan Shomaker of Council Bluffs, IA.
Memorial Service will be held at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home, Miles City, MT on Wednesday January 12, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Followed by Full Military Honors Interment at Eastern Montana Veterans State Cemetery. Specific details can be found at stevensonfuneralhomes.com.
While flowers are welcome, donations as expression of sympathy can be made to VFW Post 1579 in remembrance of Ralph Dukart, Jr. These funds will be used in support of Miles City, MT veterans and is greatly appreciated.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 AM
Wednesday January 12, 2022
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
After Memorial Service
Wednesday January 12, 2022
Eastern Montana Veterans State Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
After Interment
Wednesday January 12, 2022
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 AM
Wednesday January 12, 2022
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
After Memorial Service
Wednesday January 12, 2022
Eastern Montana Veterans State Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
After Interment
Wednesday January 12, 2022
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Dolores Meidinger Willson says
I am so very sad to see that Ralph has passed away. My sincere sympathy to all his friends and family.
Al Homme says
good bye old buddy, Ralph one of the founding fathers of “little Guy Football” Ralph helped make it what it is today. Over all Ralph was a positive influnce on Miles City
Joe and Jeri Dalbec says
Such a great person and good friend. So sad. R.I.P. Ralph.
Bob and Carol Prahl says
We are so sorry and sad to hear about Ralph’s passing. He influenced a lot of people during his time here. March on Ralph, you are missed by all who knew you.
Tyler Matthews says
Coach Dave,
I’m very sorry for to hear about Ralph, he was one hell of a man. Such an impact that guy made on our community – he will be missed dearly. Thinking of you during this difficult time…
Hassell Painter says
A friend for over 40 years. I’ll miss you, pardner. God Bless. My condolences to his family.
James L Arneson says
Ralph, what a great friend, person who had a heart of gold. I was saddened to hear this yesterday. I had the privilege to know Ralph for over 40 years. A fellow soldier, mentor and fair person as the city judge. I will miss seeing Ralph, always having him run his hands over his hair and laugh asking if I could do that with mine. (if you know me I shave my head, so I can’t). Ralph liked to give me a bad time over being bald and offering to give me some of this hair, Time passes us way too fast, we get too busy and forget to slow down and spend time together with family and friends. Rest in Peace, my friend, you are missed.
To Ralph’s family and fellow friends, my heart goes out to you all during this time of loss. May God comfort you now and always.
Tanna Peterson Aye says
Oh Ralph, what a character you where. Ralph spent many times having coffee with my folks (Dick and Lucy) and helping with Nat Guard issues when they arose. He never could get moms name right, so I hope you and Lucille are livin it up. Our sympathy to his family. Salute!
Garth Sleight says
I thoroughly enjoyed my association with Ralph Dukart and Bill Norsby when they were the dynamic duo in leading the Shortgrass District of the Boy Scouts of America. Rest in peace, Ralph. I salute you.
Carol A LaRose Schuetzle says
So sorry to hear of Ralph passing.
A very nice man I’ve known for years.
Out thoughts, prayers, hugs and love are with all Ralph’s family and friends.
RiP Ralph I’ll be our quick chat and that big grin of yours.
Carol and Warren Schuetzle
Rs says
To al Dukart family soo sorry to hear this ..ralph was a AWESOME man made such a big impact in the miles city community he will be missed in so many ways… ONE RETIRED SOLDIER TO ANOTHER REST IN PIECE MY DEAR FRIEND .heaven gained one AWESOME angel …my thoughts and prayers go out to the Dukart family …
Larry Marquart says
Sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. Knew him through the National Guards. I had the utmost respect for him. RIP.
Danielle Willson says
I cherished the friendship and bond Ralph and I shared. Every room became a lot brighter the minute Ralph entered. Ralph was a true and loyal friend to everyone he met. Fly high, Ralphie. We will miss you so much down here.💔
Ben Phipps says
Ralf you made a good impact on my life in 1992. As a little guy football coach in 1992 you made me feel like I was the best and will never forget you for that!
Kevin & Carol Malley says
What a great guy and one of the great class SHHS of 68. Was glad to see Ralph last Sept and will miss his humor. God bless you and Carol and I will miss you dearly.
Kenton Foundas says
May God bless him and hold him in His arms.
Stan Putnam says
First met Ralph back in the early 1970’s when I was assigned to the Miles City Guard unit as a brand new 2LT, well over 40 yrs ago. Went our separate ways as I moved to 2d Squadron, but remained friends throughout the years. Ralph was a dedicated individual, focused on taking care of Soldiers to his best ability. While we didn’t see much of each other as the years progressed, I always considered Ralph a friend. May You Rest In Peace Ralph.
MARTHA CRANDALL says
my sympathy
Leo Waldhausen says
So sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. I knew him as a good soldier that took good care of his men. RIP Ralph.
Jessie Leidholt says
Ralph was always so nice to visit with. He was great with the youth. He will be missed.
Terri and Duane Jessen says
So sad to hear this news as Ralph was a very nice man. My husband served with Ralph for many years and he enjoyed every minute of it. Prayers for all of his family and friends and Ralph may you rest in peace .
Linda Wolff says
We are so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. I so enjoyed traveling with Ralph when we went to Sidney several times getting a Toastmasters club started up there. Ralph was a valued member of our local Toastmasters club. Harvey knew Ralph through the guards for many years. Ralph will be missed.
Mike and Barb Miller says
Goodbye old friend and classmate. God Bless You.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Our community has many blessings, one of those was Ralph. My prayers to Ralph’s family.
Ruth Chandler Ferris & Dan Ferris says
I knew Ralph through the National Guard. He always teased me and gave me a “bad time”. I will miss him. To his family and friends, I knew him as a kind and caring person. May your memories bring comfort. He was a good friend.
John Shevlin says
Miles City will miss this great man. Rest in peace Ralph.
Gene & Vickie says
We are saddened to read this. Thank you for your service and friendship to many. Hugs to his family.
Thomas E Masa says
Ralph was a couple of years behind me at SHHS. The last time I visited with him was when he was City Judge in MC. He was a good guy. May he R.I.P.
Josephine Meidinger says
So sorry to hear about Ralph. I enjoyed visiting with him. Hugs and prayers to all of Ralph’s family and friends
Bryan Holmen says
Sympathy to Ralph’s family. We so enjoyed him on our softball team. Great guy.
Stacie Miller says
So sorry for your loss. Ralph was a kind man and a wonderful soul. Prayer to his family and friends.
Tony Morrison says
So sorry for the loss of Ralph. I met Ralph through the National Guard when I was driving up from Wyoming for drill. He made me feel welcome; and I liked the unit instantly. Throughout the years we remained friends. He always had positive things to say and took care of his soldiers the best that he could. Ralph, you will be greatly missed. My prayers and sympathy to the family.
Dave & Patti Hanley says
We are so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. Patti and I send our condolences to Ralph’s family. Ralph was my mentor after I joined the Montana National Guard, especially after I became the supply sergeant for the Miles City National Guard Unit. His care for Soldiers was a very positive part of my training to be a good non-commissioned officer. I helped him coach Little Guy Football. Ralph was good coach. He was a positive influence on sons Chris and Kev Thompson. We will miss you, Ralph. Scouts Out!
Jim and Annalise Willson says
We are so sorry to hear about Ralph. When i needed a place for our AAU Wrestling practices Ralph told me we could use the Armory Building at no charge. this helped our Wrestling Club a lot as we were struggling financially this was in 1984 and we practiced there for several years. Ralph was always glad to help anyway he could. Thank you Ralph REST IN PEACE.
Jim and Annalise Willson
Linda Schrock says
Linda Schrock says,
Ralph my friend… soar high above with all the angels, they too shall enjoy your laughter n smile! REST IN PEACE!!
Lloyd and Jan Sohl says
Our sympathy to Ralph’s family. A man with a heart of gold. I appreciate his support of youth and remember his involvement with Boy Scouts.
David E. Boyd Sr. & Chong Ae Boyd says
SGT Dukart I always asked about you when in Miles City, but no one knew how to get in contact with you. Sad to say I finally find old acquaintance after they passed away. God Speed Sarge.
SSG David E. Boyd Sr.
Troop B, 163rd ACR
Bob Cremer says
Ralph we miss you already. Our friendship goes back to our High School years, and had continued until his passing. Ralph was part of our great class of 1968, and Sacred Heart. What a wonderful man. Rest In Peace old friend.
My prayers go out for you and your family.
Michael Mangen says
Family,
So sorry for your loss. Used to live next door to his mother in law and served with him in the 163rd ACR, and also coached little guy football so many years ago. I will miss his wit and humor.
Mike and Dorrie Mangen
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
So sorry to hear of Ralph passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with family.
LARRY EDWARDS says
Ralph was a great AST at the Guard Unit and was a good friend and mentor. He got me involved in Little Guy Football and was always there for the kids who were in the program. I’ll miss you old friend, rest in peace and know you touched many lives.
Larry Edwards
Rick Harris says
We had some fantastic times together. You will be greatly missed. Lots of fond memories, some I could mention, others I will not. Miss you old friend.
ANGEL H SHOMAKER says
Rest in Peace Uncle Ralph. We all love you very much.
anita (Vera) Palmer says
So sorry to hear about my old friend Ralph. He preformed our wedding and it was perfectly done. What a nice man. Rest in Peace
James Carver says
Ralph and I worked at the same job with the National Guard, he being in Miles City and I was in Malta.. Anytime I needed help or advise Ralph was there. It was always about taking care of the soldier and keeping Headquarters off our backs. RIP my friend!
Don Erdmann says
I really enjoyed working with Ralph. He had a laugh that would always make you smile. He was like a really good big brother to a lot of people. Ralph loved Troop A, and I hope he knew how much the Troop loved him back. He was a good Soldier and a good Sergeant. I don’t think there’s any higher praise then that. I know he’ll have a cold beer and a good story waiting for me at Fiddlers Green.
Fred grider says
Always looked forward to Miles City shop visits with Ralph who was always upbeat . RIP. FRED
Anita J Grover says
Sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Eileen Entzel says
Vern and I were planning to come to the service. How fast things change. We knew Ralph for many years and Vern was able to reconnect while he was driving for CC transit. Oh stories he would tell when he came home. Each ride ended with God Bless you. You are in my prayers
JaDee Grenz says
RIP RALPH , I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER OUR FUNNY CONVERSATIONS WHILE DRIVING IN THE TAXI, YOU SIR HAD A HEART OF GOLD, WHICH THIS WORLD NEEDS MORE OF, SORRY TO SEE YOU GO , ALTHOUGH YOUR STRUGGLE IS OVER GOD BLESS YOU BUDDY
Jim Brady says
My condolences to friends and family of my friend Ralph. I remember Ralph from High School at Sacred Heart and worked with his Dad at the City. Thank you for your service, Ralph. Rest easy, well deserved.
Steve Skundberg says
I just found out about this on the internet. I had the pleasure to have known Ralph after joining the Montana National Guard in Glendive, being fresh out of the Army. I could always rely on Ralph to help steer my way into and through the National Guard. He was a true mentor in making me a solid NCO. Ralph, you will be missed.
Doug Norsby says
I just saw this notice. Ralph was my LGF coach in 5th grade about 40 years ago. He was a great friend of my dad, and I think he picked me to be on his team to kind of protect me. I weighed 60lbs dripping wet and they created the “fly weight” division because of me. He had a gruff exterior that concealed a warm, gentle, kind heart. He was a protector by nature especially for those who needed a little extra help. He and my dad loved working together to grow community programs, and I know that my dad was waiting to greet him with a big smile, extended hand and huge hug on the other side. RIP Ralph. I know that you’ll continue watching over your family and anyone in need.