"To the Laughlin family, I was so sad to get John's call Sunday that Bud had passed away. I have many memories of growing up and John and I spending nights at Bernies or Frank's houses and getting up early and doing chores with Bud and Marty on their respective farms. And then there was a great lunch that Margaret or Lucy cooked. I am sorry that I haven't lived in Southwest Iowa since 1968 and have lost touch with all my Imogene cousins. Bud was always so so happy and fun. I think that the last time I saw him was when he brought some of that good old silver queen corn at our house in Shenandoah when we were visiting. I hope to get to Iowa next summer and have a reunion with all my Irish relatives at the Emerald Isle. All of the family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry sorry that John was sick and unable to attend the Rosary and Funeral. Mick Longstreet"
In loving memory of
Michael "Bud" D. Laughlin
April 30, 1926 - December 10, 2017
Michael Donald Laughlin, aka Bud, was born 4/30/26 to Bernard Laughlin & Irene Gutschenritter Laughlin, the 2nd of 11 children, the 1st boy.
Bud graduated from St. Patrick's Academy in 1944 and was drafted into the Army soon after. He was headed to the front line overseas when the war ended. He worked in Omaha and met Margaret Knott at her family café in South Omaha. They married 10/8/49 at St. Cecelia Cathedral in Omaha and became parents of six children: Margine Laughlin Henry, sons Thomas, Larry (died March 1974), Duane, William (died Aug 1974), and Paul.
Bud was a pilot and owned an airplane when they got married. There are many memories of him and ornery Bobby Regan flying together. A few years ago Bud went to an auction in Missouri "just to look" at a restored 1947 Aeronca Scout plane, similar to the one he used to own. However, his cell phone soon called son Tom, also a pilot, and they ended up buying it together. Surprisingly, Bud still had his pilot's license but was content as the passenger often as he could when Tom flew the Scout. It is that same canary yellow plane that still drops the prize balls on the Imogene ball field.
Bud farmed and was known for his sweet corn crop. He found great pleasure picking it just so and giving it away to family and friends, strangers, priests and nuns in Omaha. He was an expert knowing when the corn was ready and tried his best to be the first one having it ready. Try as he might, he could never beat the Meyers. Although he had sinus troubles, he had pride mowing most of his farmstead clear down the ditches, far more than he needed to do. He voluntarily plowed snow at the cemetery and St. Patrick's church area. Many locals found their driveways plowed too.
Besides farming days, Bud worked nights at Union Carbide in Red Oak to make ends meet. He retired in 1989 from the plant but continued farming.
Bud had a heart of gold. I remember him asking a child in church what time it was. The child didn't have a watch. Bud bought him a watch and surprised him saying, "Now you can tell me what time it is." He used his 4-wheeler spraying weeds whether locals wanted him to or not. Many can attest, he didn't know a weed from a flower making him dangerous with that sprayer wand in his hand! Mom used to get so mad at him either spraying or mowing off her flowers. Mom died in July 2003 from pancreatic cancer. No more flowers to worry about. There are many more stories we could share.
Bud started slowing down a few years ago but still drove to mass and to town. He never knew a stranger. He was an icon around Imogene and will be missed by many.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am, Thursday, December 14, 2017 at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene.
Prayer service will begin at 6:00 pm, Wednesday, December 13, 2017 with visitation with the family to follow until 8:00 pm at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene.
Burial will be held in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Imogene.
Memorials may be directed to St. Patrick's Catholic Church or Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Tributes
"To the Laughlin family, I was so sad to get John's call Sunday that Bud had passed away. I have many memories of growing up and John and I spending nights at Bernies or Frank's houses and getting up early and doing chores with Bud and Marty on their respective farms. And then there was a great lunch that Margaret or Lucy cooked. I am sorry that I haven't lived in Southwest Iowa since 1968 and have lost touch with all my Imogene cousins. Bud was always so so happy and fun. I think that the last time I saw him was when he brought some of that good old silver queen corn at our house in Shenandoah when we were visiting. I hope to get to Iowa next summer and have a reunion with all my Irish relatives at the Emerald Isle. All of the family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry sorry that John was sick and unable to attend the Rosary and Funeral. Mick Longstreet"
"To the Laughlin family, I was checking KMA's website from here in AZ. & was shocked to learn of Buds passing. We are so sorry for your loss. Bud was such a good neighbor years ago. And always seemed so glad to see us when our paths would cross these past few years. He was one of a kind. And he will be missed by many of his friends in the Imogene area."
"To the Laughlin family, I was checking KMA's website from here in AZ. & was shocked to learn of Buds passing. We are so sorry for your loss. Bud was such a good neighbor years ago. And always seemed so glad to see us when our paths would cross these past few years. He was one of a kind. And he will be missed by many of his friends in the Imogene area."
"Have to say Bud was one of our very favorite customers. He always had a smile for us and was so easy going. To say Bud had a kind heart is an understatement. Always loved seeing him out and about. He will be missed."
"I'm so sorry to hear about Bud's passing. Tears come to my eyes as I remember, like so many others, his welcoming and warm smile. He had a way of making you feel so special. I always enjoyed his stories of the past, especially those he told of my dad in whose wedding he was the best man. I can only imagine the times ( and laughs ) they shared. I too got to enjoy the wonderful sweet corn. He will be missed. Love and prayers to you all! Jackie and Jarrett Harms"
"Sorry for your loss. Bud was such a great caring,and kind man. I enjoyed our visits when I would see him at Imogene or Shenandoah. In the summer he would always be out mowing or checking on his sweet corn. He will truly be missed by all."
"To the Laughlin family, Bud was one of a kind! When my dad (Chris Pelster) passed away Bud was one person with his kind words and memory he shared of my dad, that brought a smile back to my face. He will be greatly missed. Prayers are with you all during this time of grief. "
"Paul and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
"Going To Miss Bud Laughlin. He's Been The Guy That Journeys To The Graves When I'm At The Cemetery IMOGENE. Iowa. Visiting My Dad AMBROSE DOYLE Grave Site Asking If I Needed A Hugs. Tissues. A Very Very Special Man Was Bud Laughlin. Prayers Prayers Love ?? Hugs ???-- To The Entire Laughlin Families. Patty (DOYLE) Niedermyer "
"Bud was a wonderful & very special man who's generosity touched many lives and hearts. He would frequently come to Mass in Shenandoah where we would visit as he always said he enjoyed the Mass at St. Mary's Church. He liked a little humor in his homily!! In the Fall, Bud would frequently come over to the rectory with a big basket of corn as a gift from his farm. When fixed it was delicious. In getting to know Bud, I found him to be a man who deeply missed the passing of his wife, but continue to live life doing for others be it in the community or in his beloved parish of Imogene. He knew many interesting stories of gone by years of events that happened at Imogene. There was something "special" about Bud as he would always greet one with a warm smile, an encouraging word, kindness, and, telling you how happy he was to see you. When ever I passed his home on the road to Imogene, I saw his well cut grounds; and, of my special friend, Bud, who I was pleased and happy to call my friend. We rejoice that his earthly journey is now run and he has come to his eternal home in the House of the Lord to be reunited with his dear loved ones who had gone before him. I pray for dear Bud, his family members; and, pray God's holy light to shine upon him for he was one of our Heavenly Father's beloved sons. Most Sincerely, Father Vern Smith, Sioux City, Iowa. "
" SO sorry to hear about Bud. He was a good guy and I was one o f the ones that got to enjoy the corn. Such a giving person. Barbara Walters. "
"I have such fond memories of Bud. I remember my first day of work at Union Carbide - Bud came over to my work station and shook my hand and had a big smile on his face. He had a "joy buzzer" hiding in his hand and it gave me a little electric "buzz". Scared me to pieces! He was such a fun guy to be around. He used to farm my grandparents' farm near Griswold many years ago. He was a colorful character, bigger than life. He will be missed but will leave many wonderful memories for all his fiends and family."
"Sad news to hear, Bud was a friend of mine since I was around 14, would bring sweet corn to my wife and I when we lived in Red Oak and we would talk and have coffee for hours catching up. What a wonderful man.."
"So very sorry to hear about Bud!! One of the good guys!! Doug and I are sending our love ?? and prayers ?"