John Gulbronson

John R. "Bud" Gulbronson, 94, of Ottawa, passed away Thursday, May 16, 2013, at his home surrounded by his loved ones. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at St. Columba Church with Rev. David Kipfer officiating with military services. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 20, 2013, at Ottawa Funeral Home. He will be buried at St. Columba Cemetery at a later date. Bud was born October 17, 1918, in Ottawa, Illinois, to John and Catherine (Quinn) Gulbronson. He married Betty Lehrling on February 26, 1948, at St. Columba Church. He served in the US Army Aircore December 1942 - 1945. He attended the University of Nevada. He worked as a barber for 68 years and retired May 30, 2012. John was a member of St. Columba Church and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed gardening, golf, his family, and his vodka and tonic with lime. He is survived by his wife of 65 years; eight children, Jo (Michael) Bridwell, Cate (Will Dawkins)Gulbronson, Mary Beth Lessick, Julie (Paul) Pike, John (Marianne) Gulbronson, Jane Riddle, James (Sandi) Gulbronson, and Pat (Scott) Rister; fourteen grandchildren, David and John Bridwell, Sarah Gimbel, Jenny Lessick, Adrienne Adelphia, Jeremiah Pike, John, Allison, Lance Corporal US Marines Nate, and Shelby Gulbronson, Matt and Caitlin Riddle, Andrew and Tyler Gulbronson; six great-grandchildren; Jerome, Grace, and Jessica Bridwell, Max and Grace Gimbel, and Charlotte Adelphia; and one sister, Irene Blackley. He is preceded in death by his parents. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren. Memorials may be directed to the family or the St. Columba Church Building Fund.