Gerald "Bud" Enoch

1930 - 2014

Enoch, Gerald L. "Bud" 84, of Aurora, passed away surrounded by his loving and devoted family, on Tuesday, November 4, 2014, at Presence Mercy Medical Center in Aurora. Bud was born in Cutler, IN on April 27, 1930, attended Central High School in South Bend, IN, and married his high-school sweetheart Betty Nick on July 3, 1948 at United Brethren Church in South Bend. The family moved to Oakwood, IL in 1964 and settled in Aurora, IL in 1967. Family had always been the core of his belief system, whether coaching his sons' baseball teams, the large family holiday gatherings or as a constant source of support for his children and grandchildren in all their endeavors. Bud and Betty bought a cottage at Lake Holiday in Somonauk in the early 80's, and Bud expanded and modernized it, turning it into a charming vacation home. Bud and Betty and the extended family have made great use of the place, enjoying swimming, boating, skiing, fishing, snowmobiling, playing bags and ladder ball, and just being close to nature. Bud and Betty regularly escaped to Ft. Myers Beach, FL, to get away from Illinois winters. They enjoyed a beautiful spot, staying right on the beach of the Gulf of Mexico at the Red Coconut Campground, and also shared a beautiful vacation home with friends and family for many years. Bud fished, boated, jet skied, golfed, walked the beach, ate chicken wings, toasted the sunset and enjoyed the company of all their snowbird friends that they saw year after year. Bud worked since the age of 16 in the construction industry, eventually founding his own company, Enoch Construction. He went on to found a group of businesses including Five Star Builders, Inc. in 1979, Federal Security & Alarm in 1981, Premier Exteriors in 1984, Cedar Siding, Inc. in 1987 and BestLine Building Products in 1996. Bud never wanted to retire, in fact working to the last days. Bud's motto has always been to "treat people how we would like to be treated". The Golden Rule personified Bud both in his personal and professional lives. He will forever be remembered by everyone who knew him as one of the greatest men they have ever known, always and in many ways helping others. Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Florence; his sister, Martha Probst, and his son, Mark Owen. Bud is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty; sons Monte (Patti) of Lake Geneva, Michael (Carol) of Somonauk, Martin Gene (Monica) of Plano, Matthew of Serena; daughter, Merri Christine (Randy) of Bristol, IL; grandchildren, Michelle, Monte, Shawn, Brook, Andy, Tommy, Phillip, Wesley, Ben, Nick, Brittany, Joey, Jonathon and Savannah; and 7 great-grandchildren. Bud is also survived by his sisters, Reva Sumpter, Jeanette Hutchings, Sue Sigrist, and his brother, Ned. Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 on Thursday, November 6th, at Beverage Family Funeral Home in Sandwich, IL. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 7th, at Beverage Family Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Sandwich on Friday, November 7th. Memorials can be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or a special charity close to your heart. For more information or to sign the on-line guest book, please see www.beveragefamilyfh.com