Harold Raymond Stickler, better known as “Bud” by his family and friends, was born May 8, 1927, to Lona and Raymond Stickler in Okaton, South Dakota. He grew up in that area and worked as a ranch hand until 1945 when he was drafted into the Navy.
He was inducted in San Diego, California, and after completing basic training, he was discharged since the war ended. Bud went to Belvidere where he worked for his uncle farming. He was drafted again in 1946, and before he reported, they canceled the induction. He went to work for the DeVries ranch from 1946 to 1951. Bud was drafted again and sent to Sioux Falls for a physical. He was inducted at Ft. Snelling and sent to Ft. Louis for basic training for the Army. He was stationed at Ft. Bliss, Texas in May 1951.
Bud returned to South Dakota in September and was united in marriage to Dorothy Richards on October 21, 1951. They went back to Ft. Bliss where he was given papers to go to Korea. Since he only had six months left on his enlistment, he was sent to Ft. Louis and served as a mp in 436. Bud was honorably discharged in March 1953 and came back to South Dakota.
He worked in highway construction, ranching, and building grain elevators from Midland to Courtland, Kansas. During this time they had a son, Steve, and a daughter, Janice. He worked for the city of Philip and then started his own carpentry business in 1972. He continued to work well into his eighties doing odd jobs and home repairs.
Bud always put others ahead of himself and enjoyed giving back to the community.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Dorothy, of Philip; son, Steve (Tammy) Stickler of Omaha, Nebraska; his daughter, Janice (Craig) Heigh of Rapid City; honorary daughter, Audrey Fischer of Parkston; seven grandchildren, Victoria, Brennen, Callan, Stephanie, Brandea, Kara, and Jennifer; six great-granddaughters; one brother, Carold Stickler of Loveland, Colorado; one sister, Elaine Yanish of Courtland, Kansas; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Duane and Gary Stickler; one sister, Edna Mednansky; and one granddaughter, Desiree Hanssen.
A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
Funeral Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 22, 2016, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Interment with military honors will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 23, 2016 at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
Guest Book
We are thinking of you folks during these difficult times. Hold onto all the good memories, Bud was a very special guy, He will be missed,
~ Les & Joann Pearson
Philip, SD (9/21/2016)
Dorothy, Janice, and Vicki, So sorry to hear of Bud's passing. Sending prayers
~ Joan Enders
Kadoka (9/19/2016)
Sorry to hear about Bud. Your family will be in our prayers.
~ Martin & Vicki Radcliff
Beloit, Ohio (9/20/2016)
I would imagine the Good Lord saying" Welcome home. Well done good and faithful servant."
~ Nancy and Rick Ehrhatdt
Brandon SD (9/21/2016)
Dorothy and Family, We are sorry to hear of Bud's passing. He was a very kind and caring person. He loved his family dearly. Keep your memories near and dear to your heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God wrap his loving arms around each of you and give you peace.
~ Katrina & Vaun Hewlett
Pierre, SD (9/20/2016)
So sorry to hear of Bud's passing. When I was a young man Bud worked for Allen Smith I thought he was one of the best cowboys I ever met. May he rest in peace and our prayers are with the family
~ Lloyd and Terri Johnston
Kadoka So. Dak (9/20/2016)
So sorry to hear of Bud's passing. He was thoughtful and caring when I stayed with them in high school! Always had a twinkle in his eye. Prayers to Dorothy & family.
~ Twyla (Schofield) Bestgen
Sturgis SD (9/20/2016)
Very sorry about your loss. Harold was a one of a kind man that was willing to help out anybody in need and was always helping when asked. He was like a Grandpa to me even though we were not family I always thought of him that way. I did not spend as much time with him like my brothers did but he was loved very much by our family. He will be deeply missed and loved by so many!
~ Leslie O'Connell
Rapid City (9/30/2016)
Dorothy and family, prayers to all of you as you go through this time. Bud was such a sweet man. He and my dad had many great times working on projects throughout the area together. He will be missed!
~ Nancy (Kangas) Wietgrefe
Great Falls, MT (9/20/2016)
Dorothy and family, we are unable to come to the service for Bud, but we did want to tell you that he will hold a very special place in our memory as a true Christian gentleman. He was kindhearted and friendly and we treasure the many good deeds he done for our family.
~ Justin & Joyce Wheeler
24208 Fairview Rd, Philip SD (9/22/2016)
Oh Dorothy, Gigi, Romy, JJ and I are so sad to hear of Bud's passing. We will always remember you both as the best neighbors anyone could ask for. We are thinking of you and your family and will hold Bud in our hearts forever.
~ Christine Andrus
Carlton, OR (9/21/2016)
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. BUD WAS ONE OF A KIND. HE WILL BE MISSED BY THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.
~ RENE KONST
PHILIP (9/20/2016)
To Dorothy and all Bud's family, he will be missed. Always willing to lend a hand or a kind word. Just a good man and a hard working one. God bless you all.
~ Kenny & Lyndy Ireland
Philip, SD (9/22/2016)
Sorry for your loss. Bud was a great man. Work with him at Cactus Flats and helped him build a couple of decks in wall. He will be missed.
~ Kori Grass
Rapid City SD (9/26/2016)
Sorry to hear of Bud's passing. Sending sympathy and thoughts to all of you at this time. He was such a hard worker and caring person. He worked with and for my Dad for many years and was always willing to help whenever he could. May he rest in peace. Bev & Cork
~ Bev Jahner & Cork Jahner
Kerrville, Texas (9/20/2016)
There will never be another Bud !! He was the kindest & most caring person I've known . I feel privileged to have know him my whole life ! When Jack or I was sick I knew I'd be hearing from Bud to check on us to make sure we was doing ok . If we was in the hospital up here Bud would stop by to check on me & see if there was anything I needed ! The town of Philip lost one of our best ! Bud will be Forever in our Hearts & always on our mind every time we pass by his home !! Hugs & Prayers to all his Family ! Please let me know if you need anything !
~ Susan & Jack Heinz
Philip (9/20/2016)
Dear Dorothy, Steve and Janice - I'm so sorry to hear about Bud. I remember him as a hard-working individual who cared deeply about his family. The loss of someone so near and dear to us is difficult and all of you, and your families, are in my thoughts and prayers. Big hugs!
~ Lynn Seifert
Rapid City, SD (9/21/2016)
THANKS FOR SERVING
~ A VETERAN
(9/21/2016)
So sorry to hear of Bud's passing. One of the ways we share God's love is through encouragement. We encourage to share memories, relive special times and know that Bud was well loved for all he shared in his life.
~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter
Kadoka (9/22/2016)
Dorothy,Janice and Steve Bud was one of the Best... He would help or do anything for anybody who needed it, was never a selfish man ever. They don't make them like Bud anymore. I always loved your mom and dad. Hes in a happy place now watching over you all. He will never be far away ((HUGS)) to you all. Love Bonnie
~ Bonnie Moses
Nebraska (9/20/2016)
Sorry to hear about Bud he will be greatly missed. Sending prayers
~ Lana & Teresa Hill
Whitewood SD (9/20/2016)
The Stickler Families: We were just thinking about Bud and Dorothy the other day. Bud was a gentle, kind and hard working man who always made himself available to help out in any way that he could. We have many fond memories of Bud and Dorothy when we lived in Philip years ago. May the love of family and friend help comfort you at this time.
~ Dave & Karen Webb
Rapid City, SD (9/20/2016)
Dorothy and Family, Bud was a great man! He was always so kind and helpful. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Kirsten Stilwell
Watford City ND (9/21/2016)
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, Bud was that great kind of person that would always help everyone.
~ Leann Olson-Ingram
Rapid City, SD (9/21/2016)