Ewald Buell 'Bud' Benter Jr.

BEAVER DAM, Wis. - Ewald Buell "Bud" Benter Jr., 82, of Upson, passed away Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, at the home of his son in Beaver Dam.

Bud was born in Horicon on April 6, 1932, to Ewald K and Carrie (Prame) Benter. His siblings included sisters, Audrey Hintz (James), Roberta Mullin (Olen), Carrie Benter (Cliff) and Judy Bischoff (James). Bud died peacefully in his sleep after battling congenital heart failure for years.

Bud graduated Horicon High School in 1950. He started working at John Deere Horicon Works immediately after graduation from high school. He took leave to serve in the U.S. Navy on Jan. 5, 1951. It was there he met his first wife, Barbara Jackson and married in April of 1953. After working at John Deere for 38 years, he retired in 1988.

In 1977 he married Colleen Bjork from Upson. After his retirement, he moved to the Northwood's of Upson where he spent the rest of his life. He served as the town chairman of the town of Anderson for 22 years and held that role until the end of his days.

Bud was known most for his love of the outdoors and animals. From feeding the birds, to cutting wood, to hunting deer– he was happiest outside. He had a great sense of humor, a sharp wit as well as a sharp mind. He was a good listener, a good shoulder to cry on and a great resource for advice. He leaves behind his dog Minnie, who spent the last 10 years living life to its fullest with him.

He is survived by his five children; Ewald C "Bud" (Sue) Benter and Jean Benter, all of Beaver Dam, Bobbi S. Franke (Gary) and Laurie K Weisensel (Taylor), all of Austin, Texas, and Audra L. Yewman (Greg), of Green Bay; three step-children, Scott Hultman and Kristen Bjork, both of Upson, and Jeanene Talbot, of Mellen; he is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Colleen; step-son, Keith Hultman; sister, Roberta Mullin; and his parents.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, 2014, with funeral services following at 10 a.m. at St Paul Lutheran Church, 111 S Curry Street in Ironwood, Mich., with Pastor Kurt Kovanen officiating.

Pallbearers are grandsons; Chris Benter, Jared Franke and Matthew Weisensel; son Ewald "Bud" Benter; and son-in-laws, Taylor Weisensel and Gary Franke.

Graveside service will be following at Calvary Cemetery, State Hwy 122 in Upson. A reception will immediately follow at the Town Hall in Upson.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made out to Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for the Forest for the Futures Fund.

Psalm 23:4 - Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Ironwood has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.