Sebastian Biegler

 

Sebastian “Bud” Biegler, 88, of Cut Bank, Montana, passed away on September 2, 2024. Born on September 29, 1935, in Strausburg, North Dakota, he was a man of many roles: a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. 

When he was young, Bud’s father Peter purchased a new farm near the community of Edgeley, North Dakota. Bud was one of 6 boys, and he had 10 sisters. He worked on the family grain and dairy farm with his siblings. Because of the demands of the farming operations, he fell behind in his schooling and quit attending public school in the 9th grade. Consequently, he never finished high school.

At age 17, Bud forged his mother’s signature and enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. Bud fought in the Korean War until the service recognized his real age. He was moved out of the conflict zone until he reach the legal age of 18. He finished his 4 years in the Korean conflict, demonstrating his commitment to his country.

Bud had a great desire to learn things and had an exceptional work ethic. He completed his GED while serving in the Marine Corp. After his discharge from the military, he furthered his education by attending diesel mechanic’s school in Chicago and attending Kinman Business College in Spokane, Washington. While attending school, he worked in his Uncle Joe’s automotive repair business. Bud spent his early years working as an equipment operator for the Soil Conservation District in Edgeley, North Dakota. He also spent time in California working for Aurora Aircraft and Save On Drug in the Chula Vista, California area. 

In his travels, he eventually began working in the oil fields and on custom cutting crews for the Pfeifer Brothers traveling from Oklahoma to Montana – and all the states in between. Running a custom cutting crew for Julius (JR) Pfiefer is what brought Bud to the town of Cut Bank in 1958. This is where he chose to make a new home and start his new life. Because he was born and raised in a farming family, he fit right in working for Julius and Paul Pfeifer in their farming and cattle ranching operations. He also spent time working on the Allen Anderson farm and ranch. In this time period, Bud married Joan Jensen in December of 1962. They later divorced in November of 1975. Bud had eventually re-entered the oilfield side of his career. He worked for various pipeline and oil well drilling contractors as an equipment operator and a rig hand around the area. He eventually landed a job with the Montana Power Company in 1966. For the next 30 years, Bud worked his way up from a summer help laborer to a field mechanic, to a technician, to a special project’s foreman, to a field foreman, eventually becoming the general field superintendent of the Cut Bank field. In addition to his regular job, Bud spent many nights and weekends running his side business under the name of Biegler Automotive Repair. He retired from the Montana Power Company in 1996. Not one to sit idle – Bud spent the next 15 years performing contract welding inspection services for various companies in Montana and also working as a home inspector for various realtors in the area. He decided to “retire again” at the age of 75. His career was as colorful and robust as his personality, always bringing his unique spirit into everything he did. 

Bud was not all about work. During his career Bud found the love of his life and married Diane Fauque on September 20th, 1985. They have been in this wonderful life long journey together ever since.

Bud was a fountain of knowledge and a great friend to those who knew him. He was very selfless – always trying to make sure everything was in order and that his friends and family were always taken care of. 

A devout Catholic, Bud was an active member of Saint Margrets Catholic Church in Cut Bank, Montana and Saint Richard’s Catholic Church in Columbia Falls, Montana. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, providing strength and solace through the years.

Bud’s passions included hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, four wheeling, collecting guns, rebuilding old trucks and cars, and carpentry. He and his boys built the house that he and Diane live in today along with helping build a cabin in the Pinnacle area. Above all, spending time with his family was his greatest joy, creating lasting memories that they will cherish forever. 

He is survived by his wife, Diane; sons, Patrick (Jennifer) Biegler, Michael (Dee) Biegler, Edward Fauque, grandchildren, Kendra, Alyx, Ryle, Kelsey, Samantha, Joshua, Tyson, and Travis; great grandchildren, Kadence, Eden, Amelia, Corbin, Harper, Tuff, Emmet, and Elliot; brothers, Jim, Jerry; sisters, Angie, LaVina, MaryAnn, Rose, Bette, and Tillie; and Tom Snyder who was like another son to him. Bud is preceded in death by his parents Peter Sr. and Walburg, and siblings Edward, Wilma, Herman, Geraldine, Peter Jr., Alice, and Julia.

A Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM on September 12, 2024, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 AM on September 13, 2024, at Saint Margrets Catholic Church. Burial to follow at the Crown Hill Cemetery in Cut Bank. Asper Funeral Home in Cut Bank, Montana, is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Bud’s life is a testament to his enduring love and unwavering spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.