Clarence Otto "Bud" Kolb

HYSHAM - Clarence "Bud" Otto Kolb, 90, of Hysham, died Feb. 5, 2015, while residing at Billings Health and Rehabilitation. Bud was born June 9, 1924, to Otto and Clara Anna (Messerli) Kolb in Forsyth. He joined two sisters, Helen and Agnes, on the homestead in Hysham. They were later joined by Raymond, Lois, Leslie and Robert.

After graduating from Hysham High School, Bud served during WWII by entering the U.S. Navy in 1944. He spent two years sailing the oceans before being honorably discharged and returning home to the farm. Recently discovered photographs he took during his service indicate he saw kamikaze pilots at one point. In 1949, Bud married Ethel Anna Schmidt, of Myers, and they made their home on the homestead. Together they raised four children: Ginni, Ron, Dennis and Jake. Bud spent his life farming in Treasure County with his brothers Raymond and Leslie on the homestead. He was a 4-H leader and served on the board of Agricultural Soil and Conservation Service (ASCS). He was very proud to be a member of the Great Western Sugar Company's High Ten beet growers.

In 2002, Bud was widowed, but was able to continue to live alone at home with the help of Kim Adams and the PALS program. In October, he suffered a stroke and was unable to remain at home. Bud is remembered as a hard worker, who loved tractor work. He was never happier than working the fields on his tractors. He wasn't one to take short cuts and wasn't afraid to spend time and energy for a good result. These work ethics were passed from his father to him and from him to his own children. Even after he became unable to work the farm, he didn't let anything escape his attention. He spent hours touring the farm on his scooter. He used the scooter like an ATV and once in a while, needed rescuing but that didn't deter him! The boys often heard reports of crop growth, irrigation errors, cattle behavior and grazing conditions.

Clarence was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel; his sisters Helen and Agnes; his brothers Leslie and Raymond. He is survived by his sister Lois Oman of Pennsylvania; brother Robert (Marty) of California; daughter Ginni of Colorado; sons Ron (Gail) and Dennis (Wendy) of Hysham, and Jake (Julia) of Missoula. He has five grandchildren, Michelle, Nicky (Leroy), A.J., Matt and Bailey; two step-grandchildren, Jennifer (Michael) and Andru (Tasha); four great-grandchildren, Breanna, Bryce, Braelin, Brock; and six step-great-grandchildren, Eli, Jaxon, Shad, Shelbie, Jerzey and Bentley. He also has numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Vivian and Merle for their special attention while Bud was in Billings; the staff at Billings Health and Rehabilitation; his doctor, Neal Sorensen; the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Vincent Healthcare; New Hope Rehabilitation; Yellowstone River of Care; Rocky Mountain Hospice; PALS of Rosebud Healthcare; the Hysham Ambulance crew; Treasure County nurse Deb French; the Treasure County Seniors; Cathy Redland, the mail-lady; and Kim Adams. Your kind and compassionate care of our father and grandfather, and of his family, is deeply appreciated.

Memorials may be made to the Community Presbyterian Church of Hysham, the Treasure County Ambulance, or the organization of your choice.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16, at the Presbyterian Church in Hysham. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family with these arrangements, and condolences may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.