Earl Kenneth (Bud) Essen was born January 8, 1931 at the Battleview Family Homestead to Olaf and Emogene (Grote) Essen.

Bud graduated from Powers Lake High School in 1949. He worked at Farmers Union for his father.

He met the love of his life Patricia Ann Eklund, daughter of Walter and Evelyn Eklund. Bud and Pat were married on June 10, 1952 and to this union, 3 daughters were born, Sharon, Connie and Monica.

Besides working for Farmers Union, he worked a short time for Kaiser Chemical Company in California. He worked 27 years for Burke County as a Maintainer Operator. He took great pride in keeping his roads in excellent condition, always going above and beyond.

He served numerous years on the Powers Lake Ambulance and Fire Department, Holy Cross Lutheran Church Board and was also a Charter Member, City Counsel and served as Mayor of Powers Lake.

After retirement, Bud and Pat enjoyed spending time with family, fishing, camping and serving as camp ground hosts and woodworking. One of his hobbies that he got so much joy from was running his train set for his family, especially his grandchildren.

He was quite a musician, playing guitar, organ, keyboard and accordion.

Bud is survived by the love of his life Pat; daughters, Sharon (Miles) Albertson, Connie (Rick) Moe, Monica Haskin (Gary Berg); grandchildren, Rachelle, Kaylee (Turk), Michael (Becca), Sara, Shantel, Heidi (Kelly), Robyn, Shane (Jaime), Travis, Cameron (Karissa), Cortney (Jeff), Kyle (Teri), Kashia (Chad) and Kea; 28 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Carol Essen, Dixie Essen, brother-in-law, Lloyd (Kaye) Dockter; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bud is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ernie, Dean, Larry and Myron; sons-in-law, Roger Beaudoin and Daniel Haskin; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews and cousins.