Gary "Bud" LaVerne Serfling

Gary “Bud” LaVerne Serfling, 81, of Deer River, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on January 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Bud was born on August 18, 1944, in Deer River to LaVerne and Helen Serfling.

Bud proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1969. While stationed in Great Falls, Montana, he met the love of his life, Barb, and welcomed their first daughter, Karyl. In 1968, the family returned to Deer River, where they later welcomed two more daughters, Barbie and Sherry, and made their permanent home.

Deeply committed to his community, Bud was an active member of the Deer River Sportsman’s Club and the American Legion Post 122 for more than 50 years, where he faithfully served as adjutant. He was especially proud of his early involvement with the Pony League football program, where he operated the chains and refereed games, and with the Junior Rifle Club, where he taught gun safety to local youth. He also volunteered as a firefighter, always ready to serve when needed.

After retiring from the U.S. Forest Service following 34 years of dedicated service, Bud continued giving back to his community. He worked as an ambulance driver, served in the police reserves, and provided security for Essentia Health. Throughout his life, he remained a proud member of the Honor Guard and the American Legion, and he also served as manager of the Itasca Apartments, continuing his long tradition of service and reliability.

Bud was a gifted wood craftsman who created many beautiful and meaningful pieces for his family. Among his daughters’ most treasured keepsakes are the custom hope chests he made for each of them, as well as the custom Curio cabinet he built for his wife, Barb. His craftsmanship reflected the care, pride, and love he poured into everything he did.

A true outdoorsman, Bud found joy in fishing and hunting—whether for deer, elk, ducks, geese, turkey, grouse, or pheasant. He also loved four-wheeling, boat rides, and leisurely drives through the campgrounds during the summer months. He was happiest when surrounded by nature and those he loved.

Bud had a special love for the holidays, especially Christmas. For many years, he decorated his home and yard with elaborate displays, delighting in the joy they brought to everyone who came to see them. Halloween was a close second, and he cherished handing out candy to the hundreds of children who stopped by, taking time to visit with each one and making them feel welcome.

Those who knew Bud will always remember his quick wit, his one-liners, and his curious nature. He always knew what was going on around him. His humor and quiet attentiveness made him someone people loved to be around.

Bud loved deeply, including his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as countless friends and extended family. He had a genuine love for people, especially babies, and found his greatest happiness when surrounded by family, friends, laughter, and connection.

Bud is survived by his wife, Barb; his daughters, Karyl (Mike) DeWitt, Barbie (Brett) Skyles, and Sherry (Bubba Allen) Serfling; and his grandchildren: Tyler (Lindsey) DeWitt, Hannah DeWitt, Jake (Alex) Skyles, Ashlynn (Matt Riehle) Skyles, Brett Jr. (Emma) Skyles, Mataya Christie, Rylee Christie, Keauna Christie, and Laneden Serfling. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Kasen DeWitt, Ryland DeWitt, Elliot Troumbly, and Saylor Troumbly.

Bud is also survived by his siblings, Lynette Tibbetts, Karyl (Mike) Hawes, and Jack Serfling; his brothers-in-law, Rudy Prazak and Bucko Hagen; his “brother by choice,” Ron Geving; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and seven godchildren. He was lovingly known as Papa Bud and Grandpa B by his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, LaVerne and Helen Serfling; his brother, Roger Serfling; his sisters, Karen Prazak and Dawn Hagen; his brother-in-law, Bud Tibbetts; and his nephew, Dean Randall.

A funeral service will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church on January 30, 2026, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. and the service at 2:00 p.m. A luncheon will follow at the church.

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