Charles “Bud” Dean Kulesza was born Jan 29, 1933, in the small town of Philip, Haakon County, South Dakota. The son of Bernard Alexander Kulesza and Alice Katherine Oliver, passed away Monday August 17, 2026, at Monument Hospital, Rapid City, SD. Visitation will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug 25, 2026, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service at 1:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Mt. View Cemetery in Rapid City. Arrangements are with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

Bud and Annette were married July 10,1953, Annette passed April 17, 2026, after 73 years of marriage. “Bud” age 93 is survived by his son, Alex (Mikal Ann) Kulesza and grandchildren Ryan (Monica) Kulesza, Jona (Chris) Stoebner, Mikala (Nate) Jackson and great-grandchildren, Emmet and Avrie Kulesza, Cora, Mara, and Cason Stoebner, and Barrett and Blake Jackson. His son Mark Alan Kulesza and wife Elizabeth Thomas and Grandson Frank Charles Kulesza and great-granddaughter Hayden Elizabeth.

Bud loved God, family and friends. Annette & Bud attended church. They often went to the farm to spend the day with his sister’s family. Dad made us kids feel loved and excited when he came home from work or met us for camping and boating at the lake. Growing up, he made sure we took part in the opportunities available to us. Whether water skiing, snow skiing, cycling or scouting he was involved. Dad is an old school man’s man. He taught us to work hard and to serve others even when his age & body kept him from helping. He was the only person that could scare us and show us love at the same time.

Bud and Annette were very social, having friends & family gatherings, BBQ’s, holidays, birthdays, school, clubs and more parties than we can count, with mom cooking and planning, and dad generously supplying the fun. In the Arizona home the neighbors would show up for no reason and a party would go until midnight.

“Chuck” served in the US Air Force as an airplane engine mechanic at James Connally Air force Base in Texas and then returning to Rapid City starting a very fulfilling 50+ years in the construction industry with hands-on, cost estimating, managing, consulting and ownership. He enjoyed traveling to heavy equipment shows all over the country. Equipment auctions were a favorite and dreaming of owning all the equipment and what could be done with it. Annette & Bud were proud graduates of Rapid City High School 1952 and over the years they worked tirelessly on all the of class reunions. He was also active in many clubs, with the Rapid City Elks Lodge 1187 as his favorite. He held many positions working through the chairs to the highest position of Exalted Ruler. While supporting Mom as the president of the Does Drove, Dad was president of the Bull Shippers, the men that supported their wives and was made a honorary Doe for his involvement and extra support. He was founder and president of the Elks RV Club in Rapid City. He was president of the Happy Trails Motorcycle club in Surprise AZ. He loved riding his Harley and the Sturgis rally. For many years Bud was a member and the Director of Pennington County Civil Defense, Search & Rescue board. He played an integral part coordinating searches, rescue and recovery of bodies in the 1972 flood disaster, managing crews, cleanup and rebuilding the road infrastructure around Rapid City.

Bud is now at peace after a very hard 4 months of being without Annette and struggling with his own health. At last reunited with Annette, his parents, friends and family who were waiting for him. He will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be from 12:30 to 1:30 pm Tuesday, August 25 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home with a Funeral Service at 1:30 pm.

Burial Service will be at 2:30 pm at Mountain View Cemetery in Rapid City.

Arrangements with www.osheimschmidt.com