Bud DeBoer, age 87, of Kenosha, WI passed away on Wednesday, June 23rd, at Crossroads Care Center (Kenosha, WI). Bud was born May 12, 1934 in Onalaska, WI to Peter and June (nee Smith) DeBoer. During his youth, he was raised in Holmen, WI; and was educated at schools in LaCrosse, WI; Coon Valley, WI; and Meridian, WI. He attended high school in Durand, WI.
On January 6, 1954, he married the love of his life, Geraldine (nee Becker), in Rock Creek, WI. United in marriage for over 67 years, they brought six children into their lives – Russell (Theresa), Deborah (deceased at infancy), James, Howard, Susan (Michael), and Nancy (Michael). His grandchildren include Beau DeBoer, Dustin (Rebecca) DeBoer, Brynn (Dean) Tawwater, Amanda (Tom) Scolo, James Bronson DeBoer, Danielle (Kris) Becker, Jennifer (Ben) Rothwell, Dana DeBoer, Shane Mattner, Cody Mattner, and Heather Mattner. Bud’s great grandchildren include Morrison Tawwater, Agatha Tawwater, Hailey DeBoer, Addison DeBoer, Taylor DeBoer, twins Riley and Maci Scolo, Brook Becker, Lexi Rothwell, and Odin Rothwell.
Bud was very industrious – with a career that spanned building silos for Madison Silo, and later worked as a car carrier for Kenosha Auto Transport, Speedway, and Arco for many years. He later founded and operated Bud’s Service Center, Ltd. (Kenosha, WI) in 1964 until his retirement in 1988. He later continued working in sales at various markets around the country.
Bud and his devoted wife, Geraldine (Geri), enjoyed many years of traveling and flying (as a certified pilot) and was a member of the Stick & Rudder Flying Club (Waukegan, IL). His hobbies also included boating, waterskiing, camping, snowmobiling, rooting for the Green Bay Packers, and enjoying winters in Lake Havasu City, AZ and summers at River Bend Resort (Watertown, WI) – enjoying time with family and friends, sunsets, bon fires, and golf cart rides with his “granddog” (Lincoln). Bud was a lifetime member of the Moose Club, visiting many club locations throughout the country; a former Elk’s Club member, and formerly was Director of the Wisconsin Towing Association as well as a member of the Wisconsin Petroleum Association.
Bud was proceeded in death by his parents (Peter & June DeBoer), siblings (Phyllis Hoch, Joyce Ekern, Marjorie Schmaltz, John DeBoer, and Gordy DeBoer), daughter in infancy (Deborah DeBoer), and granddaughter (Danielle Becker). Bud is survived by his wife (Geraldine DeBoer), five children, two sisters – Mary LeBorne (Riverside, CA) and Paulette Paulson (New Auburn, WI), along with many dear grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Mooseheart for children in need, American Heart Association, Alzheimer’s Association, or Victory Baptist Church would be appreciated.
Bud’s family would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to the loving staff of Kindred Hospice for all their care and compassion, as well as Crossroads Care Center.
In closing, a visitation to celebrate Bud’s life will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Victory Baptist Church (3401 Springbrook Road; Pleasant Prairie, WI) from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. The funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM at Victory Baptist Church, followed by a burial service at Saint George Cemetery (Kenosha, WI).