Grandpa Bud's Funeral

As most of you have heard by now, Jon's dad died on Friday, April 22nd. The kids were home from school that day... we were waiting for my parents (and brother Bob) to come by for a visit.

Here's a picture of Grandpa Bud taken a few years ago, on Memorial Day. He was one of the last WW II veterans still living in Cornell.

Jon got home from his work week in Iowa about an hour after his dad died. He had lunch with us and then hurried over to Cornell, to be with the family. The kids and I visited with my parents for a couple of hours and then went over to join him.

The weekend was a whirlwind of family get-togethers-- in the wake of Bud's passing everyone felt drawn together. Friday night many of the Hurlburts gathered at Jon's sister Ann's house (Ann's in the brown t-shirt, at right). Susan and Jay drove over from Kentucky, arriving at our house late Saturday night. We spent Easter Sunday at Jane's house, looking through boxes of old pictures with her as she searched for family photos to include on picture boards at the funeral.

The funeral was Monday morning. There was a visitation at the church for family at 9:30 am, then at 10 am friends and extended family arrived to pay their respects. The funeral was scheduled for 11 am, but so many people stopped by it had to be delayed by over half an hour.

There were many wonderful personal touches at the funeral. The oldest son of each of Bud's seven children served as pallbearers... Steve, Joe, Nick, Josh, Andy, Adam, and Jonathan. They sat at the front-left of the church, while the pastor conducted the service. Jon's brother Brent read a wonderful detailed eulogy that he wrote for his dad. Jon's sister Sally sang for everyone in a pure, unwavering voice.

I wanted to print Brent's eulogy here, but for some reason can't copy and paste it to the blog. So I will try to paraphrase it as best I can...

Brent noted that for most of Bud's grandchildren, age 16 or less, Bud was the kindly grandfather who loved to hold them on his lap and adored little kids. He had 22 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, and many nephews, nieces, and other children around over the years, so it was a good thing he liked kids as much as he did!

Above right, Grandpa Bud with baby Susan.

But Bud had a "hard" side, too. He was very principled and had a low tolerance for "idiots and fools". He was on the city council, school board, and church council for years, and people knew where he stood on the issues.

At left, Jon with baby Jack the day of the funeral.

Bud had a strong belief in public service and was a volunteer fire-fighter and patriotic veteran. He worked hard. Over the years he had different jobs (at the same time) so his family could live comfortably. For many years he worked at the paper mill, ran an insurance business out of his home, drove school bus, and helped his wife Jane run the Skogmo store in downtown Cornell. Busy as he was, he always managed to find time to attend his children's sports and school activities. He often took his family picnicking at the Brunet Island Park (and swam and canoed with the kids).

At right: Bud's grandson Joe with daughter Lauren.

Bud was an avid hunter who passed on a love of hunting to all of his sons (and some of his grandsons and great-grandsons as well). He was extremely altruistic toward other people. He was generous and warm, and welcomed many, many people into his home over the years.

At left: Michael with (second) cousins Seth and Malia (and Brook in the foreground).

He left his children and grandchildren with a wonderful strong impression of how much he loved his wife. We all knew how pretty he thought she was. They were married over 60 years.

After the funeral and luncheon (which my mom and dad attended, along with many other people), the family gathered at Pat and Ann's cabin for more time together. We had heard it was going to rain that day, but instead it was warm and sunny-- perfect for sitting around a campfire and letting the kids (finally) run wild.

Right: Cousins Allison, Jessica, and Eric. Eric's wife Sarah is in yellow and Jessica is holding Eric's daughter, Audrey.

Another really nice moment was when Jon's brother Phil gathered everyone outside in the garage.

Left: Cousins Lauren and Audrey (Ann's granddaughters).


Phil gave an emotional thank you to his sisters Ann and Sally for everything they have done
for Bud and Jane, especially in these last few months. It's hard to describe how involved and supportive they have been, every step of the way... doing whatever needed to be done to make Bud comfortable and to be helpful to Jane.

Right: Susan with Jack.

Then Phil and his musician son Adam performed a song that Phil had wrote about his dad. They both played guitar and Phil sang the lyrics. It was really pretty special.

Susan and Jay didn't leave till this morning, so are on their way back to Kentucky as I write this. We were very glad they were able to come to Wisconsin and be a part of all this. We're going to be seeing them soon-- our big trip to Kentucky and West Virginia starts next week.

There were many tears shed, but mostly it was just a meaningful, wonderful day. Lots of remembering and the celebrating of a great man's life. Lots of stories, laughter, and just general amazement that one man and one woman could produce such a large, happy family.