Bernard H. 'Bud' Kreutzer Jr., 65
Bernard H. "Bud" Kreutzer Jr., 65, passed away from complications from diabetes at Brendan House on Oct. 12, 2012.
Bud was born Jan. 16, 1947, in Jamaica, N.Y. His father was an estimator for Kellogg's and his mother was a homemaker. He grew up in Jamaica and graduated in 1964 from Bishop Loughlon High School in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Due to an afterthought of college, Bud's basketball coach was able to get him into college in Wyoming, so Bud attended Powell Community College. He then went to Eastern Montana College, and in 1975 he graduated with a degree in secondary education with a major in history and a minor in English, after eight years of finishing his schooling due to health reasons; but he graduated first in his class.
During his college years, Bud worked at ShopRite in Babylon, N.Y., where he met Sandy. They dated for three years and were married on Aug. 9, 1975, in Farmingdale, N.Y. They then moved to Montana where Bud's heart made its home.
Continued health issues prevented Bud from pursuing his desired career of teaching. He was great with kids and especially enjoyed high school adults.
He was active in the Catholic Church and lead Bible studies and helped out with the youth group, and also with the choir. He received a kidney transplant from his sister, a live donor, on June 8, 1995; an anniversary they celebrated together every year. In 2001, Bud suffered a severe stroke. After numerous other surgeries and illnesses, Bud's health required more care and he became a resident of Brendan House in 2006.
Bud enjoyed collecting coins and sports cards. He also liked crossword puzzles and word searches. He was a self-taught harmonica player, and in his younger years he was a winning bronco rider. He really enjoyed taking car trips up to Glacier Park with Sandy and his dogs.
Bud was preceded in death by his many beloved canines.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra “Sandy” A. Kreutzer. He also leaves behind their dogs, Kree and Lexus; sisters, Barbara Middleton of Nevada, Margaret Swanson and her husband Tom of Castle Rock, Colo., and Ronnie Czybora and her husband Fred of Islandia, N.Y.; five nephews and four nieces.
A rosary will be said at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 22, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Vigil services will immediately follow the rosary at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:10 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23, at St. Matthew's Catholic Church. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. at the Bigfork Community Cemetery.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Brendan House, Sunrise Pod Station 2, for residents day room chairs and other needs.
Friends are encouraged to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh.com, to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.