"Thank you Bud for the gift of reading and playing music . I only now appreciate your teaching. Thank you and god bless you. Prayers to your family and all who will miss your presents in this world."
In loving memory of
Emil "Bud" P. Kesterson
April 26, 1922 - January 10, 2016
Emil "Bud" Paul Kesterson, was born on April 26, 1922 at Tabor, Iowa. He was the seventh child of Ida Grace (Rainey) and Arlo Lyle Kesterson. Bud passed away on January 10, 2016 at the age of 93 at Fair Oaks Care Center in Shenandoah.
He attended the Tabor schools and graduated from Tabor High School in 1939. Following graduation he worked on farms before moving to Shenandoah in April of 1941.
On July 6, 1944 he was united in marriage to Betty Jane Herron at Topeka, Kansas. To this union one son, Randall Kent, was born November 2, 1948.
Bud had a life long love of music. He worked a short time at KMA. He later worked as a singer on KFNF for three years. He also worked on KGBX in Springfield, Missouri and KRUN in Lexington, Nebraska. For over twenty-five years he worked as a singer and rhythm guitar playing in various bands on weekends. Cooper's, Happy Jake's for four years with Faracy's Melody Makers, Steve Smith Band, Bill Pitts Band and thirteen years with the "Buck" Perrin Band. For the last two years he had his band "Country Buddies." In the late sixties and early seventies he gave guitar lessons in Shenandoah, Red Oak and Corning.
Through the years he had worked at Eddie's Grocery, Brannen's Grocer; Townsend Wholesale Grocery as a salesman and Triple K Manufacturing. He later did painting and carpentry along with lawn maintenance. For the last 20 years he worked full time at lawn maintenance until his retirement in his mid 70's.
Bud would like to recognize his best friend Mike Irvin especially for years of transportation assistance and company at nearly daily "guys only" morning coffee meetings. Also David March of Pittsburgh, PA for 40 years of hospitality and caring.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years Betty (April 2015), his parents, sister Margie Brown and husband Roy of Hamburg, and brothers Edwin, Gerald (Jim), Russell (Pete) and infant brother Andrew.
Bud is survived by his son Randall Kesterson of Pittsburgh, PA, his elder sister Fern Ludington of Altoona, Iowa and many nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be directed to the non-profit Hospice with Heart, 300 W. Broadway, Suite 114, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503. Memorials are in appreciation for care provided by the Hospice with Heart, the Glenwood staff, from the entire Kesterson family during Betty's final days.
Burial will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah, Iowa.
Tributes
"Randy, sorry for you loss. Mom and I always enjoyed getting together with the 3 of you for dinner and visiting."
"So sorry for your loss. My Thoughts and Prayers are with the Family."
"What a talented man. Anyone who can take on building a house on his own has my deep respect. Bud & Betty were significant parts of my life from childhood through adulthood. I'm so sorry for your loss. Bud will be missed."
"Bud was a wonderful guy. We enjoyed many Danforth/Keterson times. Sorry for your loss. Joe and Janet Danforth-Bacon"
"Mr. Kester son was a true gentleman. He always had a smile and kind word. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. "