Gilbert Arvin “Bud” Todd, 80, of Hawkins, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at his home.

 

He was born October 25, 1940, in Big Rapids, the son of Delbert and Moah (Samis) Todd, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1958.  Bud then earned his Associates Degree in Welding from Ferris Institute.

 

On August 6, 1960, Bud married Val Sweet in Reed City.  The couple lived in Grand Rapids for 5 years when Bud worked as a tool & die welder for General Motors.  They returned to the area to raise their family, and Bud continued his work for GM, retiring after 30 years.  He formerly served as the Barton Township Supervisor

Bud loved working on his farm, and was proud of his John Deere tractors.  He enjoyed building, and rebuilt and owned the Hawkins General Store for 10 years.  Bud also restored family cottages in the UP, and helped with many building projects for friends and neighbors. He also enjoyed hunting in different parts of the country.

 

Bud is survived by his wife Val; their children, Teri (Terry) Hays of Reed City, Lauri (Tom) Knoop of Reed City, and Jeff (Renee) Todd of Ortonville; seven grandchildren, Todd (Mandy) Hays, Garrett (Loretta) Hays, Trenton (Amanda) Hays, Kyle (Megan) Knoop, Lacey Knoop, Summer (Michael) Goessman, and Skylar Todd; nine great grandchildren; his sister Della Hanson of Paris; his brother Alvin (Jeannette) Todd of Paris; stepbrother Buck (Jackie); stepsister Sis (Marty); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Lynwood Hanson, stepfather Art Harrison, and stepbrother Denny Harrison.

 

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, October 9, 2021, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Rev. Daniel Hofmann officiating. Burial will follow in the Parkhill Cemetery in Green Township. Bud’s family will great friends beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), or the American Diabetes Association.  Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.