Milton R. “Bud” Jeppesen, age 92, of Holdrege, Nebraska formerly of Wall, South Dakota, died on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the Phelps Memorial Healthcare Center in Holdrege.
Military graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. The procession will begin inside the gates of the cemetery after 10:30 am
A luncheon will follow the services.
Milton Ray “Bud” Jeppesen was born June 16, 1931, in Wall, South Dakota, the son of Clifford M. and Sylvia (Sawvell) Jeppesen. He grew up in the Wall area and attended Wall High School, graduating in 1948.
In 1951, Bud entered the United States Army, where he was a survey instrument operator for artillery during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on June 19, 1953. He received 2 Bronze Stars, Sharp Shooter Award, United Nation Service Medal Korea, and the Presidential Unit Citation.
Bud was united in marriage to Juanita “Nita” Fenner on October 28, 1954, in Boise, Idaho. Bud worked in the oil fields for fourteen years before farming and ranching in various places. Bud and Nita took in 16 newborns until they were adopted. In 1978, he started in the insurance business with Farm Bureau. In 1985, he went on his own, and continued with the business until retiring in 2009. His wife Nita preceded him in death on May 10, 2007, after 52 years of marriage.
Bud was united in marriage to Mavis Darlene Harn on May 23, 2009, in Hot Springs, South Dakota. They made their home in Wall. Mavis preceded him in death on October 10, 2013.
Bud was united in marriage to Nancy Von Eshen on June 14, 2014 in Las Vegas. They made their home in Rapid City. Nancy preceded him in death on July 26, 2022.
Bud was an avid golfer, a sport he played until the age of 92. He was an avid gardener and handy man and enjoyed playing cards and in his younger years he liked to hunt.
Bud was a lifetime member of both the FJ Willuweit VFW Post #9120 of Quinn, and the Disabled American Veterans Post #3 of Rapid City. He was chairman of the Lake Flatt Township Board, Chairman of the Wasta Town Council, and a chairman and past president of the Catalyst Good Neighbor Club. Bud not only attended the Wasta Methodist Church since 1940 but was very active in many different areas of the church.
On January 12, 1016, Bud was invited to Pierre to receive the Korean Service Medal for his service, presented by a representative of the Korean government.
Survivors include a son Ray Jeppesen and his wife Laura of Holdrege, Nebraska; a daughter Deana Taylor and her husband Brent of Rapid City; four grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to his first wife Juanita, Bud was preceded in death by his second wife Mavis; his third wife Nancy; his parents; a daughter Dolly; a son Roy; a grandson Caleb Jeppesen; a granddaughter Daena Jeppesen; and a sister Veva Puckett.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the FJ Willuweit VFW Post #9120 of Quinn. Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 9127, Rapid City, SD 57709.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral home of Philip.
