Marlen Ernest Ferch

Bud Ferch was born in LaMoure North Dakota, on March 16th, 1930 to Eli and Marie Ferch.  He joined his sister Marcella and later Lucielle, making their family complete.   He worked along side his father on their humble farm. 

On March 1st, 1952 he enlisted in the Marines and was sent to the Korean War, fought in three engagements and was one of three that survived from his platoon.  He married Merle Baker in 1954.  Following the loss of their first son, Dennis in 1954, they welcomed their children, Timothy Marlen, Benny Joe, Pamela June, Jimmy Wayne, Sherrie Marie and Mary Ellen.  Bud made his living as a cowboy, working in ranches throughout the Dakotas, Kansas, Texas, Nevada and California.  He and his faithful dog “Bob” were highly sought after for their skills in wrangling wild cattle.  He supplemented his income by being a proficient farrier, and on weekends he would compete in saddle bronc in rodeos throughout the states.

 In 1972 he married Carolyn Roe.  They welcomed their son Dustin Dennis in 1976 while Bud was working in a small logging camp in Yreka California.

Bud Ferch was a legend in the ranching community, and known as a man of his word. He and his partner roped a mountain lion which was sold to a zoo.  Also, (on a dare), he roped a sea lion which drug him and his mount into the ocean till he cut his rope to save them both.  Bud was very disappointed that he lost a brand new, good rope to the sea lion and the sea.  He was asked to stand in for a commercial as the “Marlboro Man.”  This man of few words once said “he was pretty proud of the fact that he roped all his life and ended it with all his fingers.”

In 1992 he retired and moved his family to Myrtle Creek Oregon.  He worked tirelessly clearing brush and building fence on their property.  He worked just as hard for the many years of his retirement as he did before.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Eli and Marie, sisters Marcella and Luciell, wives Merle and Carolyn, son Dennis, daughter Pammy and granddaughters Kristina and Taylor.

He is survived by Tim, Ben, Jim, Sherrie, Mary and Dustin and their spouses, 24 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Bud Ferch lived a life only told in fantasy books or movies.  In the end his broken body that slowly tried to trap a titan of a man was freed to heavens range.  He example of fearless patriotism, faith, humor and love will be cherished for generations.

Services are pending

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