Robert W. Bud Gierke

Visitation: Monday, February 22, 2010 with family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Stevenson and Sons' Funeral Home in Miles City.

Family to Receive Friends: Monday, February 22, 2010 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Stevenson and Sons' Funeral Home in Miles City.

Funeral Service: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Miles City.

Graveside Service: Custer County Cemetery with full Military Honors.

Robert W. (Bud) Gierke, age 83, of Miles City passed away 17 February 2010 at the VA Nursing home in Miles City, Montana.

Bud was born on 1 February 1927 to William and Esther (Lundin) Gierke in Bismarck, ND. Bud grew up and attended school in Bismarck. Bud joined the US Army Air Corps during World War II and served in the Pacific Theater in Okinawa. After his discharge he returned to Bismarck. He married Donna Kleven and three children were born to this union. Bud moved to Miles City after his marriage ended and eventually to Anaconda, MT where he met and married a young widow, Marjorie Ann (Bruner) Schreiner. Marge came as a package with two cute little girls, Debbie and Patty. Marge and Bud were to add to their family with five children, with one, Daniel, dying shortly after birth. They made their home in Anaconda and in 1958 moved to Polson, MT. In 1964 the family moved to Miles City where Bud roamed the Eastern Montana prairies representing Gierkes Distributing, working with his brother George. While plying his trade across the small towns on his route; stopping at the little grocery stores, cafes, bars and taverns; Bud met many people whom he considered his friends. After he retired from the business, he worked with his brother Harold restoring Harolds vintage automobiles, many of which were seen in local parades.

Bud enjoyed traveling with Marge in their motor home, camping with family and friends, especially Bud and Bev Bruner from Deer Lodge. Bud was a member of the VFW, Eagles and Elks.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marjorie, his daughter Barbara Ann, his sons Terry and Daniel, his granddaughter Kimberly (Klein) Morse, and his brother Bill.

He is survived by his children Melody (Bob) Hanson of Bismarck, ND, Rick McFall and Bob (Sheila) McFall of Mandan, ND, Deborah (Wayne) Torgerson of Antelope MT, Patty Ward of Miles City MT, Bill (Cathy) Gierke of Tunnel City WI and Kathie Zoller of Bismarck ND; a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren; three sisters, Laverne Day and Beverly Hill of Laurel, MT and Shirley Southworth of Billings, MT; and two brothers, Harold of Miles City, MT and George of Ashland , MT. Bud also leaves behind a very special friend, Gert Fischer.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 22, 2010 with family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Stevenson and Sons' Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Miles City. Interment will follow at the Custer County Cemetery with full Military Honors. Immediately following the service,a reception will be held at the VFW. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.