Gerald T (Bud) Vandusen

Gerald T. (Bud) VanDusen, 79 of Mt. Morris died suddenly on July 5, 2024 at home.

He was born November 17, 1944 in West Point, New York at the U.S. Army Hospital on base.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Elaine and his son, Gerald (BJ) VanDusen, step daughter, Dawn (Brad) Plock and Elaine’s 3 grandchildren, Jordan (Ashley) Hammil, Allison (Mathew) Cheeseman, Holly Plock and 2 great grandchildren, Lee and Declan. Brother, David (Kathy) VanDusen, several nieces and nephews and special cousin, Pork Schriner.

He is predeceased by his parents, Gerald and Dorothy (Stees) VanDusen, his inlaws, Russell and Norma Barnhart, sisters Connie Frieberg and Bonnie Hermes.

Bud served in the U.S. Army for 4 years and then the Army Reserves. He was honorably discharged in 1971 as an E4 Specialist.

He developed a love for house painting from his Dad and painted many homes and businesses over the years. He worked at Kable Printing and then Quebecor in Mt. Morris until his retirement in 2008.

He loved working outdoors and buying junk food and root beer at the Mobil gas station in town. He truly enjoyed his garden and keeping their yard tidy. He loved their little dog, Crystal and the many pets they had over the years. He also loved to go to Perna’s Pizza in Rock Falls and The Brown Shingle in Dixon. Root beer floats (aka) brown cows were simply the best in his opinion!

Services will be held at the Leaf River Baptist Church 6941 N. Mt. Morris Rd. Leaf River, IL on Thursday, July 11th. Visitation will be from 5-6:30pm with a Memorial Service following at 6:30pm, with Pastor Billy Hardy officiating.

Cremation rites will be accorded. Memorials can be directed to his wife