Bud Buchholz

Bud Buchholz, age 90, of Fosston, MN, passed away on Friday, April 25th, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 1st, at the Carlin Funeral Home in Fosston with the Pastor Lester Bentley officiating. Interment will be in Rosehill Cemetery, Fosston. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the funeral home. Military honors will be provided by the Army National Guard Honors Team. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Emanuel (Bud) Levi Buchholz was born to Immanuel (Pete) and Maude (Fuller) Buchholz in Plankington, SD on October 28, 1934, the second oldest of four children. When Emanuel was small his older sister Delores wasn't able to pronounce his name so she would call him her little buddy or "Bud." A name that would stick for a lifetime.

Bud moved north of Mentor MN with his parents as a young boy where he worked very hard on their family farm. It was here he learned his work ethic, mechanical abilities, and mischievous ways.

Later in life Bud would meet Muriel Campbell while she was teaching school in Thief River Falls, MN. They married July 28, 1954 in Muriel's hometown of Mobridge,SD. As a couple they then moved near Fort Gordon, GA where Bud enlisted and served in the army for two years. While there, they had their first child together. A beautiful daughter.

They moved back north to Gentilly, MN in 1956 where they had four additional children. During this time Bud learned to be a heavy equipment operator. He would go on to operate cranes and draglines in the missile sites of North Dakota as well as working for pipeline companies and local contractors.

In 1969 Bud moved his family to rural Fosston where he started and operated his own excavation company as well as doing some light farming on the side. He was a person who let his work do the talking for him. People would often stop and watch him operate his dragline in amazement at how he could drop the bucket on a dime, and turn loads of dirt in one smooth fluid motion. Not an easy feat with a dragline. He operated his business for over 25 years before turning it over to his son in law.

At one point Bud owned an airplane and obtained his pilots license along with his son Pete. A very forgiving orange and white Cessna 172. He loved flying. Buzzing the house and giving rides to his friends and family. He was even known to hand drop paychecks and lunches to his employees working below.

Bud was very partial to Chevrolet and GM vehicles. He bought his pickups to use, and use them he did! When he told you to put your seatbelt on, you knew you were in for a ride! Jumping drainage ditches and running over small trees were all just an average day of getting fuel to a machine.

In his later years Bud enjoyed helping his friend Dale with calving season. He loved cattle and watching the baby calves grow and kick up their heels full of life.

Bud enjoyed driving back roads and checking on his favorite neighbors' crops. His car had two speeds. Super slow and super fast. He was pulled over several times even in his 80's for speeding but was able to charm himself out of most tickets. He loved riding in the combine with his dear friend Ken during the fall harvests and was always fascinated by the size and abilities of modern farm equipment.

Bud served on his Queen Township board for 29 years, many as supervisor. He cherished the friendships made there and for the opportunity to help his neighbors.

The most amazing thing about Bud was his genuine love and compassion for people. Many years ago, his heart was softened by the loss of his infant son. From that day on, with the Lord's help he dedicated himself to being a better father, husband and friend to all. His love and kindness was alive for all to see. He had the ability to light up a room and make everyone feel so important and special. He loved to laugh, tease, and have fun. He had a contagious smile; a kind word and caring shoulder pat for everyone he encountered. He lived a life of redemption and grace. A life of diligence, humility and hope. The best kind of sermon.

Bud is survived by his sole brother Ted Buchholz, Norman, OK. His children: Debra (Kenneth) Sutherland Bagley, MN; Richard (Cynthia) Buchholz Hutchinson, MN; Nancy (Clark) Dailey Sutton, AK; Peter (Shane) Buchholz of Maple Bay, MN. 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Nieces and nephews.

Bud was preceded in death by his wonderful parents and his loving wife Muriel. His two beautiful sisters Delores and Katherine and by Baby Buddy, his infant son.

"The song may have ended now-but the melody lingers on.." -Irving Berlin. Let us honor his memory by going forward with extra love, forgiveness, and understanding in our hearts. May we live our lives in a manner where we will all be together once again. That was his only wish.

Until we meet again, we love you. Always.