Francis "Bud" Kestel dies at 87

Francis "Bud" Kestel, age 87, of New Hampton, passed away on Thursday, May 25, 2017 with his family by his side at home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at Holy Family Parish in New Hampton, with Father Brian Dellaert celebrating the mass.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in New Hampton with the New Hampton American Legion Post 38 providing military honors.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Monday, May 29, 2017 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton with a 7 p.m. Scriptural Wake Service. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the funeral mass on Tuesday.  Online condolences for Bud’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com.  Memorials may be directed to the family.
F.H. “Bud” Kestel was born on April 6, 1930 in Le Mars, the eighth child of Frank and Theresa (Niehus) Kestel.  He attended St. Mary’s School in Remsen, Iowa, graduating in 1948.  Bud enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean War, serving his nation for four years in Hawaii, and off the coast of Korea, including the Yellow and China Seas.  Upon his return home, Bud continued his education in Kansas City for Aircraft Mechanics and Engineering.  He began working for Trans World Airways as a licensed FAA preparing aircraft for returning to battle.  In 1959, Bud married Mary Frank at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Remsen.  In 1960, Bud and Mary moved to a farm east of New Hampton where he’s made his home since.  Mary passed away in 1977.  Bud and Bonnie Pietan began courting in 1978.  It was on November 30, 1991 when Bud was united in marriage to Bonnie at United Church of Christ in New Hampton.  The couple continued to farm together with their family.  Bud especially enjoyed working with his cattle.  He took great pride in working the ground and caring for the land.  Bud retired from farming in the fall of 1993.  In his retirement, Bud remained active for many years on the farm, and drove for Zip’s.  He was active in the Knight of Columbus, especially Knight of Columbus softball.  He was also a member of the New Hampton American Legion Post 38 and New Hampton VFW Post 5238, serving as commander for several years.  Bud and Bonnie enjoyed wintering in Texas, fishing with his naval friend, Rob, and spending time with his family and especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 
Bud is survived by his wife, Bonnie Kestel of New Hampton; children, Allen (Alicia) Calhoun of Charles City, Gary (Theresa) Calhoun of Sumner, Anna (Chris) Havlik of New Hampton, Kel’lee Pietan of New Hampton; grandchildren, Danielle, Carlene, Clint, Sadie, Alex, Theresa, Maria, Garrett, Logan, Julia, John, Emma, Olivia, Kevin, Steve, Amber; 6 great-grandchildren; sisters, Cleo Lord of Des Moines, Lorna Pick of Omaha, Neb; sisters-in-law, Caroline Ohm of De Soto, Wisc. and Mary Markee of Lawler, ; brother-in-law, Ed (Vickie) Throndson of Lawler, and numerous nieces and nephews.