Archie "Bud" Paul Whitaker Jr.

Archie Paul 'Bud' Whitaker, Jr...

was born to Archie Whitaker, Sr. and Elva (Buffington) Whitaker on September 26, 1927 on a farm near Holland, Minnesota where he was raised. He attended a country school near Holland through the eighth grade. After completing his education, Bud farmed with his father. On August 14, 1946, he entered the U.S. Army and served during World War II as a medic at several hospitals. When he was discharged from the service on November 29, 1946, he returned to farming with his father. On September 10, 1951, he was united in marriage to Geraldine Winsel at the Presbyterian Church in Holland. Following their marriage, they farmed for many years near Holland. In 1967, Bud started to work for Lange Manufacturing in Pipestone. He also worked for Pipestone Boat Company and Modular Construction. In 1972, he became employed as the supervisor in the upholstery department of Bayliner Marine in Pipestone. He continued to work in this capacity for 20 years until his retirement. He became a resident of Sunrise Manor Nursing Home in Tyler, Minnesota on August 3, 2010. He was preceded in death by his wife on July 30, 2012. After her death, he continued living at Sunrise Manor until his death on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at the age of 87 years, six months and 13 days.

Bud was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Holland. He was also a member of the Earl Gruis American Legion Post 534 in Holland. Bud enjoyed doing things with his family, going to ballgames, camping, and fishing. Later on, he enjoyed all the activities of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His favorite time was spent at the lake with the whole family each year for several days.

He is lovingly remembered by three children, Kraig Whitaker and his wife Peggy of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Keith Whitaker and his wife Mary of Shakopee, Minnesota, and Kim Begeman and her husband Ed of Winthrop, Minnesota; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Larry Whitaker and his wife Bernice of Norwood, Minnesota; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gerry Whitaker; his parents; his sister, Verna Mae Erickson and her husband Floyd; and an infant granddaughter.