Edward 'Bud' Gauthier, 79, of Owatonna, Minnesota, died Saturday, January 28, 2012. At the time of his death, he resided at Park Place Congregate and Assisted Living. He passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was born in Houghton, Michigan, on July 5, 1932, to Rudy and Florentia Gauthier. Bud served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He married Judy Warmington on February 17, 1962. Bud spent his entire professional life in the forestry industry where he was well respected and built a number of life-long friendships. He retired from Blount Industries in 1997. Bud was a very giving person he was always there to help others whenever it was needed. He was extremely handy, whether it was working on things around the house; helping with car repairs or keeping friends and neighbors driveways clear after a winter snow. Bud was an avid sports fan, regularly watching the Twins, Vikings, or the Wild; but took his greatest pleasure in attending his children and grandchildren''s athletic events and activities. You could always count on Bud to be enthusiastically cheering you on from the bleachers. Bud also loved to hunt. He looked forward to his annual deer hunting trips. He was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church. He was also a member of Steele County Minnesota Pheasants and American Legion. Bud is survived by his wife, Judy; six children, Sue (and Joe) VandenBroek, Beth Gauthier (and Toni Van Esch), Jay Gauthier, Greg (and Kim) Gauthier, Gary Gauthier, and Ellie (and Pete) Tangren. Bud was blessed with eight incredible grandchildren that he loved dearly: Mike Lawson, Joshua Jensen, Cody Jensen, Matthew Svestka, Jacob Gauthier, Logan Gauthier, Olivia Tangren, and Caroline Tangren. Bud is also survived by his brother, Joseph (and Margaret) Gauthier of Owatonna, and two sisters, Mary Pearce of Caro, Michigan and Betty Kay (and Bob) Fish of Baraga, Michigan. In his final days, Bud and his immediate family very much appreciated the numerous visits and other expressions of love that were received from his nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Terese Belhumer. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Cedarview Nursing Home, Park Place and Owatonna''s Allina Hospital''s Hospice Care for the excellent care they provided Bud in his final days. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Wednesday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM . A brief, informal memorial service will be held Tuesday following the visitation at the funeral home. Attendees will be encouraged to share their reflections on Bud''s life at that time. Funeral services will be held February 1, 2012 at 2:00 PM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with The Reverend Andrew Vogel officiating. Military honors will be conducted by Steele County Military Funeral Unit. In lieu of floral arrangements, the family would greatly appreciate memorials be made to the Owatonna Huskies Bullpen Club, P.O. Box 96, Owatonna, MN 55060. Visitation: 01/31/2012 16:00 01/31/2012 19:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service at the church 02/01/2012 14:00