Francis “Bud” Wells, 94, of Carroll, died Thursday, December 10, 2015 at the St. Anthony Nursing Home in Carroll.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 14, 2015 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Carroll. The celebrant will be Fr. Craig Collison. Music will be by Kate Cuddy and the St. Lawrence Choir. Lector will be Diane Hannasch. Gift Bearers will be Bob and Lori Wells. Eucharistic Ministers will be Rosie Obman, Ann Christiansen, and Lynette Lehrter. Casket Bearers will be Curt Nepple, Julie Nepple, Mandy Halbur, Mike Halbur, Scott Taggart, Christian Taggart, and Zach Taggart. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Carroll, with military honors conducted by the Carroll American Legion.
Friends may call at the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll after 3 p.m. on Sunday, where there will be a Rosary prayed at 4:45 p.m., followed by a Christian Wake Service at 5 p.m.
The casket will be moved to St. Lawrence Church at 9:30 a.m. Monday, where visitation will resume until the time of the funeral mass.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll, and online condolences may be left for Bud’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com.
Born on November 28, 1921 at Halbur, Iowa, Francis Fred was the son of Fred and Elizabeth (Schmitz) Wells. He spent his early years in the Halbur area, before moving with his family to the Coon Rapids area. He attended St. Augustine School before finishing his schooling in Coon Rapids. After his schooling he helped his family on the farm. Bud later enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II, serving on the U.S.S. San Juan. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Carroll.
On November 7, 1947 Bud was united in marriage to Phyllis Meinen at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Carroll. The couple made their home in Carroll where Bud worked as an auto mechanic at McCoy Motors. He continued to work as a Chevrolet mechanic before retiring with Mark Beardmore Chevrolet. During retirement Bud drove the Region XII bus. Bud enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, attending auctions, tinkering and fixing different items, yardwork, grilling, and collecting and restoring antiques. Most of all Bud enjoyed the time he spent with his family, friends, and his beloved dog Mattie. Bud was a member of the Carroll American Legion, St. Lawrence Men’s Club, and St. Lawrence Parish, where he frequently served as an usher.
Left to celebrate Bud’s life are his children: Jane (Marvin) Nepple of Westside, and Bob (Lori) Wells of Carroll; grandchildren: Curt (and friend Misty) Nepple of Chamberlain, SD, Julie Nepple of Carroll, Scott Taggart of York, NE, and Mandy (Mike) Halbur of Dubuque; 6 great-grandchildren; his sister Mary (Bob) Kloser of Carroll, and sister-in-law Copee Wells of Carroll; as well as many nieces nephews and other extended relatives.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents; wife Phyllis in 2007; his daughter, and son-in-law Judy and Dave Taggart, grandson Bob Taggart, and siblings: Evelyn Wille, and Bernie Wells.
