Melvin Jerald "Bud" Patzel was born on September 30, 1932, in Madison, Nebraska to Herman and Alta (Miller) Patzel, and passed away on September 11, 2024, in Seward, Nebraska at the age of 91 years, 11 months and 12 days.

Bud was from a family of nine, having six sisters, and two brothers. He attended rural country schools in Nebraska through the sixth grade. Bud enlisted into the U.S. Army on Dec. 7, 1953, and was honorably discharged on Dec. 6, 1955.  He was united in marriage to Virginia Marie Long on February 20, 1954, in St. Edward, NE., and five children were born to this union.

In 1965, the couple moved to Primrose, Nebraska where they owned and operated a dairy farm into the 80's. In the late 1960s, Bud also became co-owner of Patzel Bros. Construction, along with his younger brother Norm, for several years. After Bud and Ginia quit the dairy he raised sheep, goats, and buffalo. He had a special love of animals and raised many on their farm. After losing his beloved wife in 1992, he went to work with his brother Norm, in Albion, and Weeping Water, NE.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Virginia Patzel; sons, Mike and Marcus Patzel; two daughters-in-law, Tina and Nancy, and all but one of his siblings.

Survivors cherishing his memory include children and their spouses, Joe and wife, Mishael Patzel, Primrose, Vickie and husband, Jerry Glaser, Seward, Mitch and wife, Terry Patzel, Primrose; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and a host of friends.