Bayard Puffer

Bayard “Bud” Puffer, 93, of Miller, passed away Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 19, 2015 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Miller with Father Chester Murtha, celebrant. Burial followed at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Miller. Visitation began at 6:00 p.m., Friday, December 18, 2015 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the church.

Bud was born September 7, 1922 in Ree Heights, South Dakota to John and Minetta (Fritz) Puffer. He attended grade school in Como Township, high school in Miller for two years, and graduated from Ree Heights High School in 1941. On October 6, 1942, he married LaVonne Crawford at Cedar Catholic Church. They continued to live on the family ranch. He served on the School Board and Township Boards for twenty years. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Stephan, South Dakota and the Catholic Order of Foresters.

In 1975, they moved to Miller where he worked as a finish carpenter until retiring at the age of ninety. While living in Miller, he was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

Grateful to have shared in his life is his wife of 73 years, LaVonne of Miller; two daughters: Gae (John) Larson of Mankato, MN and Deb (John) Bushfield of Miller; four grandchildren: Carma Gorman (Eric Peterson) of Austin, TX, Dana (Tania) Ruhnke of Miller, Erin (Calvin) Kindle of Miller, and Andrea (Adam) Zeller of Aberdeen; two step grandchildren: Tristen (Jenn) Larson of Bloomington, MN, and Malinda (Jason) Yesch of Apple Valley, MN; twelve great grandchildren; and eight step great grandchildren.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Gladys Etbauer; son-in-law, Don Ruhnke; two brothers-in-law; and two sisters-in-law.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Bud’s arrangements.