Wilbert ‘Bud’ Smith

Wilbert "Bud" Smith, 81, rural Powers Lake, N.D., died October 13, 2009, at a Tioga hospital. His funeral service will be Saturday, October 17, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Lake Assembly Church in Powers Lake. Visitation is today, October 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the church, followed by a family service at 7 p.m.

Wilbert "Bud" William Smith was born to William and Mabel (Olsen) Smith in Lucy Township, Burke County, on November 24, 1927. Bud spent his early years living in Lucy Township. At age 13 he moved to Foothills Township in Burke County. He was drafted into the Army at age 18. He was stationed on the East and West Coasts, Cuba, the Panama Canal and Scofield Barracks in Oahu, Hawaii.

Bud married Muriel Gunderson on January 4, 1949, at Beach, N.D. Bud returned to Foothills Township, where he lived for 68 years farming and ranching. He took great pride in having a field with perfectly square corners and summer fallow with no weeds. He retired in 1986 from grain farming but continued to raise cattle until being injured in a farming accident. Bud had a huge rock collection which included a prized meteorite given to him by his uncle.

In his younger years, Bud enjoyed the challenge of repairing vehicles and farm machinery for family, neighbors and friends. He especially preferred John Deere machinery.

Bud enjoyed the land and driving his Ford pickups, enjoying the scenery and wildlife. When his grandchildren came to visit the farm, he enjoyed having them ride in the back of the pickup and showing them wildlife and the beauty of the area. The grandchildren loved spending time with him feeding calves red licorice, building bonfires and collecting cow pies to start the bonfires. Bud was an avid hunter and collected Winchester guns and memorabilia. He spent many hours cleaning and taking care of them. A highlight of Bud's hunting career was shooting his prize buck in 2000.

Bud's family includes: his wife, Muriel, Powers Lake; daughters, Vonda (Buddy) Wilcox, Mason City, Iowa, Vickie Piotrowski, Minot, N.D., Debra (Jeff) Anderson, Williston, N.D., Virginia (Scott) Supplee, Plain City, Ohio, Donelda (Gary) Mitzel, Minot; sister, Joyce (Bob) Setterlund; brother-in-law, Muggs Vanvig; sister-in-law, Alice Smith; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Shirley Vanvig and Wilma Ware; and his brother, Lester Smith. (Springan Funeral Home, Stanley, N.D.)