Bernard "Bud" James Mans Jr.

Bernard "Bud" Mans Jr. passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 in Duluth at the age of 83.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Bernard will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Williams at 11:00am with a visitation an hour prior. Interment will be held Monday, August 8, 2022 at 10:00am at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Williams.

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 19th, 1939, a son of a farmer & housewife, Bernard Mans Sr. & 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 & 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 & Judy moved to Williams to raise their most proudest achievement, their 6 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 & helping people (always with a big smile & 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 & waltzes), collector of coins & stamps, going on walks everyday & picking up cans (took pride in keeping his community clean), growing beautiful flowers, always made time for coffee & talks with Jack & Janice Charlton, helped out with the Annual Potato Day Festivities (donating his pumpkins & other vegetables), helped out with the Annual Back Home Days.  He led an exciting life of a loving husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother & friend who was lucky enough to find & pursue his ultimate passion & hobby in life - gardening.  He always enjoyed when the kids came over to pick out their big pumpkins & 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 & loved being at his garden daily.  He would love to sell or give away as many vegetables as he could every fall & was truly blessed that he could grow anything. 

            He was a great left fielder & 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 & 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 & attending his children’s games (whether it was in the gym, at the field or in the rink) & anything they were involved in.  He was the best supporter, everyone could always hear him cheering them on. 

            Bud, you truly earned your wings & now you are able to fly high, you’re finally reunited with Judy.  He’s looking down on us from heaven & his light will shine bright through all of us.  He is tending to God’s garden in heaven & loving it.  We will all love & miss you everyday. Today & always we celebrate his life. May he rest in peace. 

            God bless his memory & 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 & 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 & Blair Samuelson.  His beloved 11 grandchildren & 3 great-grandchildren always brought the greatest smile to his face & joy to his heart.  He was a beloved husband & the greatest father in the world, a man of great faith.

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

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