Raymond ‘Bud’ Leiferman, Bridgewater

Raymond “Bud” Joseph Leiferman, 87, of Bridgewater, died Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013, at a nursing home in Sioux City, Iowa.

He was born Aug. 6, 1925.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, Bridgewater.

Visitation with family present will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, followed by a 7 p.m. prayer service at the church.

Kinzley Funeral Home in Salem is assisting with the arrangements.

Raymond “Bud” Joseph Leiferman was born in Bridgewater to Agnes and Joseph Leiferman. He graduated from Bridgewater High School in 1943 and then hitchhiked across the state to attend South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Knowing the draft was imminent, he was turned away. He returned to Bridgewater and joined the Navy later that year. Throughout the war he was stationed in New York, Boston and Bahia, Brazil. Bud served his country until 1947, when he returned to Bridgewater. He married Patricia Clancy on Sept. 5, 1955, at St. Thomas Church in Madison.

In 1955, Bud and Pat built their home in Bridgewater where they raised their six children and lived for 50 years. Bud joined his father at Leiferman Chevrolet and Implement, and later became sole owner when his father retired. He enjoyed selling John Deere, Oliver and White farm equipment and Chevrolet vehicles. Bud was very active at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church and served on the parish board and the Knights of Columbus. He greatly enjoyed singing in the St. Stephen’s and community choirs. Bud was also a great supporter of the American Legion and served as commander for many years, as well as president of the Better Bridgewater Club. He was a member of the Tri-County Development Corporation and the Diamond Care Center. He served his community as a volunteer fireman and ambulance driver.

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