Russell "Bud" Lee Wahlert

Russell “Bud” Lee Wahlert, the son of Clyde and Mary (Jayne) Wahlert, was born August 21, 1932, on the family farm east of Exira, Iowa and died June 25, 2021, peacefully at his home in Exira at the age of 88 years, 10 months, and 4 days.

Bud was baptized and confirmed at the Exira Lutheran Church in Exira, Iowa. He attended rural schools then graduated from the Exira High School with the Class of 1950 and then rented and operated a farm.

On May 17, 1952, he was united in marriage to Carole Nadine Wheeler at St. John’s Lutheran Church near Adair, Iowa. They were blessed with three children: Joel, Patricia, and Jon. On January 6, 1953, Bud was inducted into the United States Army. During his tour of duty he served with the 5th Armored Division and was stationed in Korea and Japan. He was honorably discharged on December 8, 1954 and returned to Exira to farm. Bud was unable to find a farm to purchase so he was employed at Minnerman Ford in Exira for a few years. In 1957, they purchased a farm east of Exira where they grew row crops and raised livestock for many years until they retired and moved into Exira.

Bud and Carole were active members of St. John’s Lutheran Church near Adair while living on the farm. Bud held several church positions. When they moved into Exira they became members of the Exira Christian Church. Bud and Carole sponsored 8 foreign students through seminary and had over 21 inner city children with farm visits. During the winters they would spend time in Yuma, Arizona where they made many good friends and fond memories. Bud, with much encouragement from family and friends, was privileged to be part of the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. He loved going to stock car races with his brother Rich. He also enjoyed restoring antique tractors, traveling as far as Bozeman, Montana to purchase a 1923 John Deere D. Bud enjoyed participating in tractor shows and going to Thrashing bees around the area. On Sunday afternoons he could usually be found watching stock car races. But above all Bud treasured the time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren whether it was going down to the farm pond to fish or just a ride around the farm to look at the crops.

He is preceded in death by his son, Jon Wahlert; his son-in-law, Mike Wildin; his parents; his sister, Rilma Kolbe; his brother, Richard and wife DonElda Wahlert; his sister-in-law, DonElda Wheeler; and his brother-in-law, Leonard and wife Nadine Wheeler.

Survivors include his wife Carole Wahlert of Exira having celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary in May of 2021; his children, Joel and wife Maggie Wahlert of Exira, Iowa, and Patricia Wildin of Greenfield, Iowa; 9 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; his brother-in-law, Ramon Wheeler of Exira, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at 10:30 A.M. at the Exira Christian Church in Exira with Pastor Glen Meyers officiating. Interment will be in the Exira Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Wednesday evening, June 30, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira. Casket bearers will be: Josh Wahlert, Nathan Wahlert, Ricky Wildin, Ryan Wildin, Chris Kolbe and Mike Wildin. Honorary casket bearers will be: Darrell Kilworth, Tim Driscol, Arnie Bintner, Dave Hocamp, Mike Haley, Sr., Ramon Wheeler and Charles Wheeler. Memorials are preferred to the Exira Fire Department.