Francis “Bud” Tasler was born July 19, 1927 to Frank and Margaret Gouger Tasler at Jefferson. Bud attended Jackson #8 Country School through the eighth grade. He attended high school in Jefferson, graduating with the Class of 1945.
In 1948, Bud started farming. In 1950 he was drafted into the United States Army. Before he left for the service, he married Joan Garland on September 30, 1950, then left for the service on October 16, 1950. He was sent to Camp Pickett, VA, for basic training. In October 1951 he was sent to Germany with the 43rd Infantry Division. He served as staff sargent with the Infantry.
Bud was honorably discharged from the Army in October of 1952. He returned to Jefferson and started farming again. After 41 years of farming, he retired in 1989.
Bud and Joan raised three children: Frank, Bill and Regina.
Bud was a past member and director of the Iowa Corn Growers Association. He also served as a member of the Farmers Home Administration board. He served as a 4-H leader for several years. He was a member of the ASC committee. He was also a township trustee. Bud has been a 54-year member of the B.P.O. Elks Lodge #2306 in Jefferson. He has been an usher at St. Joseph Church in Jefferson and St. Francis Church in Fort Myers, FL. After his retirement he became a hospice volunteer and a volunteer financial counselor.
Bud and Joan spent the winter months at their condo in Fort Myers for more than 30 years. They played bridge and did a lot of dancing.
Francis “Bud” Tasler died March 4, 2019, at the Veterans Administration medical center in Des Moines. He was 91 years of age. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Joan; daughter Regina; sisters Julia Ann and Rosie; and brother Walter “Shorty”.
Survivors include his sons, Frank (Liz) Tasler of South Bend, IN, and Bill (Tammy) Tasler of Queenstown, MD; brother John “Jack” Tasler of Urbandale; sisters Bonnie Martin of Carroll and Dot Davis of Jefferson; and other relatives and many friends.
Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church or VA Hospice House in Des Moines.
Funeral services were held at Friday, March 8, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jefferson.
Father John Gerald was celebrant at the Mass of the Resurrection. Sheilah Pound was soloist, accompanied by Michelle Fields. Honorary bearers were Richard Blanshan, Brent Goughnour, Carroll Perkins, Larry Teeples, Tom Polking, Al Rowedder, Vern Foje, Don Goodrich, Doug McDermott, John Gerken, Paul Jacobson, Randy Wittrock, Steve Kohl, Scott Hebenstreit, Eddie Morgan, Pat Griffin and Terry Rich.
Casket bearers were Craig Lyons, Dave Tasler, Ryan Tasler, Rick Tasler, Mike Finley and Pat Murrane. Interment will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
The family was assisted by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home of Jefferson, 515-386-2171.
