Bud Albrecht

Lee Donald "Bud" Albrecht, 98, of Livingston, Montana passed away, Saturday, December 26, 2015 at the Diamond K Lodge in Livingston. Cremation has taken place at Franzen-Davis Crematory and per Buds request a funeral service will not be held. Interment will be at Laurin Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are preferred to the Stafford Animal Shelter, 3 Business Park Drive; Livingston, MT 59047 or the charity of the donors choice. Bud was born on January 31st, 1917, in Sheridan, Montana. He was the son of Hans and Blanch (Moore) Albrecht the third oldest of ten children. He received his education at the Sheridan Grade School. Bud was already working at age 11 milking cows before and after school. When Bud was in eighth grade his father was killed in a mining accident and his older brother was severely injured. From that point on he went to work full-time to help his mother support her family. He trapped and was employed as a ranch hand at a couple area ranches. Bud had known Audrey Johnson most of his life as they grew-up together in the same town. She had been friends with Buds sisters and in 1936 they began to date. On September 4th, 1937, Bud was united in marriage to Audrey Josephine Johnson in Bozeman, Montana. This marriage was blessed with three children, Dixie Lee, Leda and Kevin. The couple started their life together living in Sheridan where Bud still worked as hard as he could to provide for his family and for his mother and siblings. Bud and Audrey moved to Anaconda where Bud worked at a Smelter. Bud enlisted in the United States Army in April of 1945 during the Second World War. In his absence Audrey had moved the family back to Sheridan. Upon his Honorable discharge in December of 1945, Bud returned to work with the mines in Butte and continued to do so until he was awarded a job with the Sports, Fisheries and Wildlife, Federal Services. He and the family moved to Livingston as this was the territory he was to mandate. He served the federal government as hunter and predator control agent for 32 years. Bud was a man that never wanted to sit still. He had many hobbies that doubled as side jobs, breaking horses, making river agate jewelry, hunting rattle snakes to skin and make belts, hat bands and sell their skins to be used to make boots; he made carvings from wood and raised bees. Bud was a true outdoors man. While out in the elements with him you would never have to worry about survival, he could build shelter, hunt or catch game, and find his way out of any mess. He was a tremendous fisherman, a deadeye of a shot and had brilliant ingenuity. He loved to teach others the way of the land whether catching rattle snakes or the best techniques for trapping. Bud trapped until he was 91 years old. Bud will be remembered for the respect that was shown him by his colleagues, his talents and some trickery. The last few years have been tough on him as he has not been able to fish or roam the mountains as he would have liked. Blessed be his memory. Bud is survived by his: loving wife of 78 years, Audrey. Children, Dixie Lee Bullock, Leda OConnor and her husband Greg and Kevin Albrecht all of Livingston. Grandchildren, Dennis Bullock and his wife, Cheryl, Tamara Cunningham and her husband, Bruce, Debra Egan, Teresa OConnor and her husband, Bruce Foley, Tony OConnor and his wife, Negal and Shawn, Shane and Shad Albrecht. Great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Bud is preceded in death by his parents and 9 siblings. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.