Bernard “Bud” Mans, 83

Bud Mans, 83 of Williams, MN passed away peacefully into the presence of his risen Lord on Wednesday, July 27th, 2022 at the St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, MN.

He was born on February 19, 1939, a son of a farmer and housewife, Bernard Mans Sr. and Gladys (Roberts) Mans of Nicollet, MN. He was the 2nd of 5 children. Soon after graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Army – where he served 4 years in Germany. He returned home and while working at Honeywell in the cities met the love of his life, Judy Charlton on a blind date. They were united in marriage on June 25th, 1966.

Bud and Judy moved to Williams to raise their most proudest achievement, their six children. Bud was a very busy man, he worked at Marvin Windows in Warroad, MN for over 34 years as an Electrician until he retired in 2006. He enjoyed visiting and helping people (always with a big smile and a hearty laugh), always lending a hand, loved telling stories (no story was ever to old or repeated too often), hunting deer, fishing, playing cards, loved to dance (especially polkas and waltzes), collector of coins and stamps, going on walks everyday and picking up cans (took pride in keeping his community clean), growing beautiful flowers, always made time for coffee and talks with Jack and Janice Charlton, helped out with the Annual Potato Day Festivities (donating his pumpkins and other vegetables), helped out with the Annual Back Home Days. He led an exciting life of a loving husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother and friend who was lucky enough to find and pursue his ultimate passion and hobby in life - gardening. He always enjoyed when the kids came over to pick out their big pumpkins and to see their happy faces. He would grow the biggest onions, which he loved to brag about. He never slowed down. Every year he had a very big garden, lots of work but he enjoyed it and loved being at his garden daily. He would love to sell or give away as many vegetables as he could every fall and was truly blessed that he could grow anything.

He was a great left fielder and catcher on the Nite Hawks Fastpitch Softball team in Williams for many years. Not to mention, the countless games he umpired for the Nite Hawks and the Babe Ruth teams. He always enjoyed bowling with Judy in Baudette. He was a volunteer fireman for Williams for over 23 years. He was a member of the American Legion in Roosevelt, MN. He was a devoted member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for years, always helping out when needed, bringing up the offerings. Bud was constantly running and attending his children’s games (whether it was in the gym, at the field or in the rink) and anything they were involved in. He was the best supporter, everyone could always hear him cheering them on.

Bud, you truly earned your wings and now you are able to fly high, you’re finally reunited with Judy. He’s looking down on us from heaven and his light will shine bright through all of us. He is tending to God’s garden in heaven and loving it. We will all love and miss you everyday. Today and always we celebrate his life. May he rest in peace. God bless his memory and beautiful soul, you’ll be in our hearts forever. Left to cherish Bud’s memory are his children; daughters: Renee Slater, Kathy (Kyle) Nielsen, Karla Mans, Pam Spencer, sons: Jeff (Caroline) Mans, Darren (Nathalia) Mans; his sisters Dianne Daby and Donna Pederson; his grandchildren: Jon Slater, Jacob Slater, Rachel Slater, Sarah Slater, Kylie Samuelson, Reece Nielsen, Devin Nielsen, Alex Spencer, Jack Spencer, Tanya Mans, Alyssa Mans; his great-grandchildren: Carly Kompelien, Jordyn Samuelson and Blair Samuelson. His beloved 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren always brought the greatest smile to his face and joy to his heart. He was a beloved husband and the greatest father in the world, a man of great faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Gladys Mans; his brothers Bob Mans, Tim Mans; his nephews: Todd Daby, Aaron Daby.

Visitation and service were held on Saturday, August 6th, 2022 at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Williams, MN. A mass Christian burial was held on Monday, August 8th, 2022 at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Williams, MN.

Arrangements were made by Helgeson Funeral Homes of Baudette, Roseau and Warroad.