Date of Birth:
Wednesday, April 22, 1925
Date of Death:
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Age:
91 years old

Bernard J. “Bud” Leitzen

Bernard “Bud” J. Leitzen, age 91 of Rochester, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2016.

Bud was born in Rochester on April 22, 1925. He served our country in the 38th infantry, fighting in the Philippines. Bud believed his faith carried him through the darkest days of war, including surviving malaria and being wounded. He married the love of his life, Ione. This year, they celebrated 70 years of marriage.

Bud joined his father in business at Leitzen Concrete Company. Over the years, he grew the business and eventually brought in his three sons who now run the company. Guided by his faith, Bud was a humble yet generous man who helped those that had fallen on tough times.

When not at work, Bud and Ione could be found dancing, playing cards or having fun at sing-along parties with friends and family members. Bud was also an avid fisherman, hunter and overall outdoorsman. Every summer, Bud and Ione took their family up to the Whitefish chain for fishing trips. He also loved spending time at the cabin he built on Circle Lake where he would grill the best hamburgers, play lawn and night games, endlessly hunting for the biggest catch, captain happy hour pontoon cruises, and delight with fireworks. Despite having health issues in his later years, he never complained and always maintained his positive attitude and strong faith. He lived a full and happy life filled with love for his wife and family. He will be deeply missed.

Bud is survived by his wife, Ione (Tlougan) Leitzen; children Julie (Dick) Armbrust, Carin Ruter, Gary Leitzen, Mark Leitzen (Missy Fritsch), Dan (Erica) Leitzen, Lori (Dean) Slawson; grandchildren Amy (Andrew) Teitscheid, Peter (Krista) Armbrust, Niki (Doug) Schaff, Kate (Mike) Rutersmith, Tim Ruter, Beau Leitzen, Jacqueline (Zane) Rose, Annie Leitzen, Jake Leitzen, Lizzie Leitzen, Emily Leitzen, Cale (Samantha) Slawson, Kari Slawson, Molly Slawson; and 9 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by parents Bert and Ellen; siblings Lawrence, Leonard, Ethel, and Helen.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11am on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1114-3rd St. SE, Rochester, with the Rev. Mark McNea officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30am to 11am prior to the Mass on Wednesday. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Post 92.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Mayo Clinic Multiple Sclerosis Research or Salvation Army.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.