Arland (Bud) Henry Etter

POLSON - On July 8, 2004, Bud Etter, 78, died of natural causes at St. Luke Extended Care in Ronan.

Bud was born in Harvey, N.D., to Louis and Martha (Kalk) Etter on Sept. 24, 1925. The family lived in Bowbells, N.D., until 1938 and then moved to Polson, where Bud lived until 1943.

In 1943, Bud moved to Seattle and enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for three years. Bud was a "Fire Controller Third Class on LST 223." His medals included the American Theater of War, Asiatic Pacific with a star, Philippines Liberation with a star, and the Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Bud went to work for Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, and received many awards and certificates while employed there. He left Boeing in 1960 and returned to Polson.

He married Barbara Osburn in June 1954 and two boys were born to this union. They were later divorced. Bud worked at the Salish and Pondera bars until he retired. He was an avid golfer and hunter and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 2986, Polson.

He is survived by his two sons, Michael Etter and wife Sheri and Daniel VonNeida, all of the Seattle area; one grandson, Robert; one sister, DeLane Newgard of Polson; two nephews, five nieces, several great-nephews and seven great-nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Martha Etter, and a sister, Jeannette Benson. The family would like to thank his grand-niece, Tara, for the special time and care she gave Bud in his final years.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, July 16, at 2 p.m. at the Lakeview Cemetery, Polson. Memorial donations may be made to the VFW or to a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements and cremation are by Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory, Polson.