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Buddy Tadman Obituary

Buddy "Bud" Lee Tadman, 69, of Great Falls, died of cancer Wednesday, Oct. 10, at his home.

At his request, no services are planned at this time. Cremation has taken place under the direction of O'Connor Funeral Home.

Bud passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Battle Creek, Mich., on Jan. 26, 1943, to Robert and Kathleen Tadman. His family moved to Fond du Lac, Wis., in 1953. He graduated from Goodrich High School in 1961. Bud joined the Air Force and was stationed in Duluth, Minn., where he met his wife, Judith Oseland, and they were united in marriage in 1962. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Bud worked for Keikaefer in Fond du Lac and Erie Mining Company in Hoyt Lakes, Minn. He moved to Berlin, Wis., where he started a 17-year career in management at the Super Value Store and National Foods Stores, with stores in Superior, Wis., and Duluth. Bud owned a franchise for Brownberry Ovens for 15 years while living in Esko, Minn.

As a child growing up on his grandparents' farm in Wisconsin, Bud was always interested in furs, hides and animals. In 1985, he moved to Great Falls. He attended a professional taxidermy school in Nebraska and opened Bootlegger Taxidermy in 1986. He took special pride in all of his taxidermy mounts and the quality showed by the repeat customers who frequented his showroom. He closed his shop in 2011 due to his health.

Bud cherished the times hunting, fishing, camping, riding their horses, his motorcycle, playing poker, looking for agates, tubing down a river, golfing, NASCAR, archery contests with the family and the time they spent at their cabin in Minnesota. He missed the times at the cabin after they moved to Montana. Bud loved the pow wows in Minnesota and Montana. He was very proud of his Cherokee heritage. He loved to browse the pawn shops and garage sales from Montana all the way to Wisconsin when he traveled. He loved western movies, especially when they starred John Wayne. Bud was also a "putzer." He could shine, polish, fix and make anything that looked ugly into something so beautiful.

The visits and get-togethers with his family over the years, especially when he was ill, meant so much to him. He will be missed by his family forever.

Bud is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judith Tadman of Great Falls; sons Gregory (Pam) Tadman of Great Falls and James (Stacy) Tadman of Erskine, Minn.; daughter Erica (Brandon) Bibich of Detroit Lakes, Minn.; sister Sandra (Dana) Phillips of Fond du Lac; brother Robert Jr. (Marlene) Tadman of Wautoma, Wis.; grandchildren Jace and Shaelee Tadman of Great Falls and Austin, Sydney and Kianna Tadman of Erskine. He is also survived by many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Kathleen Tadman; grandparents Lillie and Greg Schultz and Jean and Shy Purvis; grandfather Paw Paw, two sisters-in-law; and two brothers-in-law.

A very special thank you goes out to Peace Hospice, especially Audrey Sabol, for her exceptional care.

Condolences may be posted online at www.oconnorfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.

Published by Great Falls Tribune on Oct. 12, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
for Buddy Tadman

Not sure what to say?





Bud...eight years have gone by, I don't know where time has gone, it seems like it was only yesterday when we last talked. I talk to the dog star on occasion when it shines bright, I know you can hear me. Nothing much has changed, we are all getting closer to the understanding, life has been good it will be better the next time. Until the next time, I'll be thinking of you.

Robert L Tadman

Brother

October 13, 2020

Bud...I check in with you and grandma every now and then. When the dog star shines bright i know your listening.
Our tears haven't dried, we miss you more than ever. I know life go's on but something is missing, we will find our way.

Robert Tadman

Brother

October 10, 2019

The stars were shining on me last night so I know you saw me. It was a beautiful night for us. The kids shared calls with me and each other. I miss you every minute. I know I have to keep busy. I will love only you forever. I will see you someday so hang in there with me. Till we meet......keep your star shining for me.

Your Honey

October 11, 2013

Honey, 11months and I miss you more. I know time heals but I feel it will be in the forever. Looking at you now in our photos it still seems impossible. You held your own for so long. You helped me get though it so much. That is what all that thinking you did was about? I know you are happy I am have been with my sisters and the support our kids gave me to be with them. I am trying to stay strong. Keeping smiling I love that. Love forever,

Honey

September 12, 2013

Hi Honey, I wanted to say 'Good Morning' on such a beautiful day. It is finally cooler the way I like it. You know I have been busy and every second are thoughts of you. I know you are probably crinching at what I am doing but liking I am making progress in looking beyond today and tomorrow. It is still hard to be here without you. I wish for you to be here and to be healthy. I wish for 1 more touch. Someday I will be able to do that. Keep watching over me I need that. Love,

Your Honey

July 28, 2013

by the way.......that was me patmolloy

June 21, 2013

Judy I know howclose you andBud were. I think of you often. I would love it if you could call me 8681755 and we could meet for coffee. Bless you in this journey you are on.

June 20, 2013

Hi Honey, Today you helped welcome
Ray into heaven. I know you two are up there comparing sisters. He was ready as you were but we will miss him like we miss you. I am back home. I went to a lot of places you and I would have gone to in our retirement. Yes I got to go turkey hunting but I did not follow instructions to get one that was close to me. Maybe next year. I visited a lot of people that miss you so much. And Jim and I got 3 deer mounted. You would be proud. The trip was fun as I knew you were there with me. Today was a sad day and I needed to write you. I am trying to be brave. The kids continue to watch over me. You did well raising them. Love you forever.

Your Honey

June 19, 2013

6 months have pasted and it feels like years. I miss you every second. I finished grief class and I learned a lot but still feel such a great void. I met many new friends and us ladies will get together and continue to help each other. Watch over me each day as I need your support still. Our kids and their families are wonderful. I am so grateful to have them. They watch over me too. You will be in my heart foever. Nice picture as I got you smiling at me in the goatee you finally got to grow at age 68. I really do like it. Sorry it took me so long to accept. Keep smiling as God is watching over you too.

Your Honey

April 13, 2013

I wish I could touch you, hold your hand. I know you are in Gods hands and free of sickness now. You were so brave in your journey. I can't believe how you handled it all. You prepared me for this in so many ways but it still hurts so much. I know you want me to be strong. I am trying.
I am taking one day at time. Wait for me. Love you,

Your Honey

March 20, 2013

Hi Honey, 4 months and it seems like you have been gone forever. There are times when I forget you are gone and I will want to ask you something or ask you to help me with something. I get back to reality and I can't get a grip you aren't here. Opening jars are funny as you know. I feel the next step to opening it is throwing it on the cement. I drew a turkey permit with Brandon so guess I need to shoot the 12 ga. I bet you are laughing. I know you will guide me on the hunt tooso I know I will be successful. I hope you know how much we all miss you. Your kids and grandkids are wonderful and so helpful. You raised some good kids. Till we meet, love you always,

Your Honey

February 15, 2013

Hi honey. Well I got through the day being it was your birthday. Now you are as old as me. I went up to Kings Hill like we used to do. It is so beautiful there. I feel so close to you when I go there. The mountain views are so much like how you are in heaven. At peace. I miss you so much. Love you always,

Your Honey

January 27, 2013

Hi Honey, I finally came home. It was hard to come here but I know it is best for me. The holidays included you in so many ways. All of us together to help us through this. You got the donuts and weiners from your grandkids and of course the kids enjoyed them. I know you saw the air balloons we sent you with our wishes. It was such a beautiful starlit night and we could see them float so high. Hang in their with me and keep supporting me like you always did. Love, your honey

Judy

January 17, 2013

Hi hon,the past month has been a roller coaster but I am trying to stay strong as you would want me to me. I cannot thank our kids, our families and friends for their concern. We talk a lot of the memories and do have some laughs. It is hard not to ask you things. I hope I do justice to how you taught me to do things. The holidays are closer now and you will be happy to know we will all be together in Mn. and I thank God you both are watching over us. I wish we could touch. I miss that. Someday. Love you forever.

Your honey

December 18, 2012

Honey it has been a month and it has been the worst month having you gone. It is unreal the thoughts that go in ones head and how different it is. Not a moment goes by that doesn't include my thought of us. Honey we made it to our 50th and I did what we always did for our anniversarys, going deer hunting. I am still a stumbling bum in the woods but I made it to Mn. and was a successful hunter. It is hard to be here with so many memories that you gave us here. Friends we made here and did mounts for remember both of us at this time. Our kids are taking good care of me like they said they would. We all miss you so much. Just remember I will see you someday. Miss you, love you and always your honey.

Your wife Tadman

November 11, 2012

kari phillips

November 10, 2012

Bud, through lifes journey you touched so many hearts. Your happy feet were marveled by all that were lucky enough to see you make your own misic. While watching, more than once I overheard others asking...how does he do that. The magic in your hands has left a legacy that will be with us far beyond my years...your the best. Jimmy will carry on, you've tought him well. Your journey brought you success in every turn you made and you've tought others how to achieve the same. Greg,Jimmy,Erica are following in your footsteps, with them and grandma Judy
they will share youe memories to the end of time. Now your "NEW JOURNEY" begins, enjoy it my brother, it's the best. Save me a spot at the table.
See you soon...Bobby

Robert Tadman

November 10, 2012

Hi Dad :) how R U? I'm hanging in there n trying to be strong like you taught me 2. but "WOW" brother this one hurts Sooooo bad!! I can't thank you enough for all that you stood 4 and what U taught me. I'm not going to say goodbye cuz were just seperated for a little bit. My tears, smiles n laughter R in a whirlwind but I guess that's a good thing right? I Love n Miss "U" Soooooo much. Here's 2 U Dad, My "Father", "Brother" and "Best Friend", "RIP", I got your back!! (Cheers) Like I told you Dad, I will see "U" on the other side! To all the "Family" and "Friends", thank you so much for your Strong Support!!!!! Love U guyz, Greg.

Greg Tadman

November 8, 2012

Aunt Judy and family, we are sorry for your great loss. Pat has told us alot about Bud and we are sure he knew how much he was loved. Always in our thoughts and prayers...

Kirk and Angie Little

October 19, 2012

Judy, I am so sorry to hear of your husband's passing.

April Reppert

October 18, 2012

Erica, Mrs. Tadman, and family, I am so sorry to hear of the your dad and husband. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Nicole Gardner

October 18, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Judy, Erica, Jim,Greg & Families.Bud you will be dearly missed,and will always be in my heart Love, (Sister) Sandy & Dana Phillips

Sandy Phillips

October 18, 2012

Thinking of you all ...

Kim & Chris LoDuca

October 17, 2012

We were so sorry hear of Bud's passing. We uplift you all with prayers for comfort. Know that we are thinking of you. Barry and Kathie Michelotti

Barry and Kathie Michelotti

October 16, 2012

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Gayle Stende

October 16, 2012

Cheryl and Jim Smock

October 15, 2012

Judy and family ~ we will miss Bud and his great sense of homor. god bless him and his family in this difficult time.
Love Jim and Cheryl Smock

Cheryl Smock

October 15, 2012

Judy & family,
You are in our thoughts. Bud was a great guy; you two were a great team Judy

Quality Life Concepts

October 15, 2012

Brook Reifer

October 15, 2012

Judy~ Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family with deepest sorrow of your loss of a great man. He will be missed and at the gun shows as well.
Brook, TJ, Serenity and Matthias

Brook Reifer

October 15, 2012

Judy I am so sorry for you and your family's loss. Bud was a great and loving man I will never forget the first time I met him and Benji. He was so excited to surprise you! I know how much he loved you and Lizzy. He will be missed greatly.. Judy I am just a call away..Love ya !

april johnson

October 14, 2012

Judy, you were always so much fun to work with..I just wanted you to know I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Deb Iverson

October 13, 2012

Erica,Brandon....Jim, Stacey and family, Thinking of you all. We enjoyed the times spent with your father when visiting in MN. Bud always welcome our family like his own and he will truly be missed. Great man.....Big heart....Wonderful memories.

Steve and Cheryl Landsem

October 13, 2012

Judy, Greg, Jimmy,Erica and your families. I am with you in my thoughts, prayers and love. Wish I could be there in person but I am always with you in my heart.
The little sis and aunt

Patricia ittle

October 13, 2012

To Greg, Pam, Jace, Shaelee, Jim, Stacy, Austin, Sydney, Kianna, Erica, Brandon. You all made Dads, Pa P'as life so much better. We have so many good memories. I pray God watches over all of you like he did us.
LvU all, Mom, Gramma

October 13, 2012

Greg, Pam and Family, so sorry to hear of Bud's passing, you are all in my prayers.
Jo Suden-King

October 13, 2012

Greg and family,
Very sorry about the loss of your father. Take comfort in the support of your family and friends during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you.

Bryan Lockerby

October 13, 2012

Greg,Pam & Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Buddy. Our thoughts and prayers reach out to you. If I can be of any help in any way. God Bless you all.

Jim Hennen

October 13, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families in the loss of your loved one.

priscilla and Merle Seright

October 12, 2012

tadman family so sorry for your loss.if there is anything i can do please let me know.

toad bleskin petes auto sales

October 12, 2012

Pa Pa we love and miss you very much. We had alot of fun with you and we will always be thinking about you. Love Jace & Shaelee

Jace & Shaelee Tadman

October 12, 2012

Our thoughts are prayers are with you in this sad and difficult time. May God's peace be with you and his light shine on you. With love, Jeff, Lauri, and Jake Walker

Lauri Walker

October 12, 2012

Sending thoughts and prayers to you as you go through such a difficult time. May God's peace be with you. Jeff, Lauri, and Jake Walker

Lauri Walker

October 12, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow. We are so fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know Bud. God Bless his memory.

The Knutson's

October 12, 2012

Judy and family,
My heart goes out to each of you as your mourn the physical loss of Bud. Judy, I know that in addition to being your husband of 50 years he was also your best friend. If there is anything I can do please let me know.

Pat Molloy

October 12, 2012

I have so many fond memories of bud and his coin collecting. I will miss watching for rare coins for him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bud's entire family. If we can do anything at all for you please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.

Rhonda, Kim & Frankie Grindeland

October 12, 2012

He was a wonderful man! I'm so proud to have had the honor of knowing him and having so many memories with him in them. I love you all!

Marti Marcum

October 12, 2012

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