George W. "Bud" Hatfield

George Whitney “Bud” Hatfield, 79, Ellendale, ND died October 23, 2017 at Sanford Hospital, Aberdeen, SD. Bud was born March 20, 1938 to George Roberts and Irene (Whitney) Hatfield on the farm near Monango, ND. He attended and graduated from Fullerton High School and was a proud member of Blue Devils Football Team. He also attended Jamestown College. Bud married his 2nd grade sweetheart, June Maxine Ulmer, September 1, 1957 in Fullerton. They moved to California in 1959 where Bud worked for various employers, being especially proud having had the opportunity to work on the Apollo Space Projects. Returning to Ellendale in 1972, they purchased the family farm where they raised their three children. After Bud stopped farming he worked as Dickey County Highway Superintendent and later as machinist at Cardinal Tool, Aberdeen and Kustom Machine, Oakes, ND. After June’s death August 24, 2010, Bud devoted time to achieving his lifelong dream of obtaining his private pilot’s license and purchasing an airplane. He lived on the farm until his health forced him to move to Evergreen Place, Ellendale. Bud was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Ellendale, and the Elden Township Board. He enjoyed hunting, flying his airplane, riding motorcycle, spending time with family and especially going to coffee with friends at The Bakery and Fireside. Bud’s survivors are his son: James (Dixie) Hatfield, Craig, CO; two daughters: Renee (Robert) Meuwissen, Corcoran, MN, Rita (Richard) Walsh, Fort Myers, FL; two sisters: Cravella (Clarence) Carrow, Edgeley, ND, Lois Oberg, Fargo, ND; six grandchildren: Rachelle (Christopher) Lee, Fargo, ND, Ashley (Jacob) Holen, Sioux Falls, SD, Andrew Meuwissen, Corcoran, MN, Matthew (Stephanie) Meuwissen, Corcoran, MN, Brad (Jessica) Wollman, Craig, CO, Robyn Luf, Aberdeen, SD and 11 great-grandchildren. Bud was preceded in death by his parents, wife June, of almost 53 years; infant daughter, Tammy Lynn and brother-in-law: John Oberg. The funeral is 10:30am Saturday, October 28 at Zion Lutheran Church, Ellendale with Pastor Paul Preus officiating. Visitation is 2-7pm Friday with a prayer service at 5:30pm all at Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale. Visitation continues one hour prior to services at the church. Burial is at Ellendale City Cemetery. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel.