Lauren "Bud" Ogle

Some will remember Lauren Bud Ogle for his deep love for reading while others will recall his superb woodworking skills, but there was nothing that was of greater significance in Buds life than the love he extended to those around him. If there was one word to describe him it just might be generous as he was continually looking for little ways to brighten the lives of others. Those who knew Bud knew of the unwavering love he shared with his beloved wife and that it was with Lea by his side that he was truly happy. A devoted father, Bud passed many timeless skills and traits on to the children he loved more than life itself, and he never hesitated to fuss over his grandchildren either. A true blessing in every sense of the word, Bud will be deeply missed. Nestled within the vibrant decade of the 1920s was the year 1921 that boasted of the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery, flash floods that crippled Pueblo County in Colorado, and the controversy surrounding the Chicago White Soxs defeat during the World Series. This was an unforgettable year for one young family from Marshalltown, Iowa since they were pleased to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy on February26th. Lauren Dale was welcomed into the arms of his parents, William and Hazel (Kenner) Ogle, and was the oldest of three boys in his family including his bothers, Verle and Duane. His father was a teamster while his mother was a homemaker. The Great Depression of the thirties left countless Americans without jobs, and the Ogle family moved to Muskegon, Michigan in search of work. They settled in the Bluffton neighborhood near the channel between Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan. From an early age Lauren was known as Bud. He loved being near the water and learned to sail and swim. Great times were had when Bud and his buddies patched up an old laundry tub and filled it with their clothes and some food and swam across the channel, pulling the tub behind them. Once on the other side the boys kept busy camping and hunting frogs. He attended local schools but quit school after the tenth grade as he was needed in the workplace to help bring added income into the family. Bud found work at a local grocery store where he learned to drive a delivery truck. The early forties found our nation deeply entrenched in the throes of WWII overseas. Bud answered the call to serve as a soldier in the Army. He was fortunate to remain stateside where he worked as a truck mechanic. With his military duty fulfilled, Bud returned to Muskegon and found work as a bus driver for the City of Muskegon. He settled into a house on Beidler Street where he quickly became intrigued by the young woman who lived next door. Her name was Leatrice Fuhrman and after he pursued her a bit, they began dating. Deeply in love, the couple married on October 6, 1945. Bud bought his bride yellow roses for their wedding day. The couple eventually settled into a home on Lakeshore Drive across from the paper mill where Bud found work driving a tug boat. He later found work in the trucking industry first as a driver for REA Express and later for N Trucking where he remained until he retired. Soon after they married the couple welcomed their daughter, Laurie, into their hearts and home. She was followed by their daughter, Susan, and with the birth of John in 1954, their family was complete. As a family they enjoyed fun-filled trips to Chicago to visit relatives, leisurely Sunday drives, and camping trips across the same channel Bud loved to cross as a young boy. These trips were usually without Leatrice, however, as she didnt like the snakes! Bud and Lea had a wonderful marriage and a deep love for one another throughout their entire journey. They were a great team as they complimented each other well between their combined strengths and weaknesses. Bud and Lea were members of the Muskegon Eagles and the local Moose Lodge where they loved socializing with their friends. There were also regular card parties at the homes of various friends and dinners at Pascoes Restaurant in Bluffton. Throughout his life Bud was a man of many interests. He was a voracious reader who passed this love on to his children. They made frequent trips to the library as a family and Bud showed his children where all the good books were. He particularly liked reading history and fiction, especially books authored by Donald Westlake and Jack London. Bud was a Sea Scout leader and for years the boys met at his house where they built duck boats in the basement. The times they took their boats out sailing were always fun times, too. Bud took a creative writing class and started writing short stories. He was quite gifted when it came to his writing, and he sold many articles to magazines. Through the years he wrote more than 40 articles for their local publication, Senior Perspectives. The extra money he earned writing helped fund Lauries nursing school. Bud was also known for his woodworking skills and was even able to add a room onto the house. During his retirement years Bud made wooden toys and birdhouses in his basement workshop nicknamed Grandpas Workshop. Buds toys were always labeled and he kept a box of them in his trunk, often passing them out to some of the children he met at his regular breakfast spot, Mikes Restaurant, where some of his creations were also displayed. He and Leatrice liked to play golf and took some trips to places such as Washington, D.C., Maine, and Florida. Bud loved spending time with his grandchildren and made them special toys like a big puppet and a Rolls Royce they could ride in. Since Bud and Leatrice always took such outstanding care of each other, it isnt surprising that his health rapidly declined after her death just ten days ago. In fact, his family said Buds death comes as a result of a broken heart. With so much love to give, Lauren Bud Ogle was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He carried himself with integrity, honor, and compassion for others that has become his lasting legacy. Although his family will miss him deeply, they find comfort in knowing he has been reunited with his true love. Lauren Bud Ogle died July, 10, 2011. Buds family includes his daughters, Laurie (Lon) Hieftje of Muskegon and Susan (John) Nowosad of Detroit; son, John Ogle of Muskegon; five grandchildren, Jeffrey Kroll, Tim Kroll, Matt Scherer, Sarah Nowosad, and Anna Nowosad; three great-grandchildren, Bianca, Elizabeth and Rachel Kroll; sister-in-laws, Arla Ogle & Virginia Ogle and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Clock Chapel. Interment will be in Lakeside Cemetery. Visit with Buds family and friends on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 from 6:00 8:00 p.m. at the Clock Life Story Funeral Home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.