1923 – Eugene “Bud” Edward Nelson – 2017
Eugene “Bud” Edward Nelson was born September 14, 1923 to Edward and Marian (Peterson) Nelson. He spent his school years, grades one through eight, in Westbrook Public Schools. With World War II breaking out Bud enlisted in the Army Air Force in December 1942. During that time he spent three and one half years overseas in North Africa, India, Burma and China. Bud was honorably discharged April 1946. After returning home he drove his school bus and did some family farming. Bud married Arlene Schmalz on March 12, 1950 at the now Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook, Minnesota. In 1957 they adopted their daughter Ronda Kay. Bud enjoyed taking her out to the farm to help with chores, teaching her to fish, hunt pheasant and change a flat tire. After the farm was sold Bud did long distance trucking for Kvilhaug’s and hauled mail for the USPS. He enjoyed spending time with his two granddaughters Alicia and Christel. In 1999 the President of the United States determined those unable to obtain a high school diploma during WWII, because of active duty, should be honored by getting their diplomas at a special ceremony. Bud received his High School diploma at that time. It meant so much to him. Bud has been a member of the VFW and American Legion for many years. He has lived his entire life in the Westbrook area except for one year when he was a mechanic for a trucking company and lived in Eagle Lake, Minnesota. Eugene, “Bud”, passed away Saturday, August 19, 2017 at Westbrook Good Samaritan Center Nursing Home at the age of 93.
Bud is survived by his wife Arlene Nelson; daughter Ronda (Mac) Habicht; granddaughters: Alicia (Mark) Spindler and Christel Schmidt (friend Justin Nichols); great-grandchildren: Nathan and Leah Spindler; step grandchildren: Briana (Josh) Jensen and Arhen (Leah) Habicht; step great-grandchildren: Chloe Jensen, Verena and Jackson Habicht. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Marian (Peterson) Nelson; his sister Lorraine Masterson and great-grandson Ian Spindler.
Memorial Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday August 23, 2017 at Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Interment in the Westbrook Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
