Obituary

Donald (Bud) Dean Marcellus, aged 89 from Humboldt, IA, passed away on September 29, 2024, in Des Moines, IA. Born on April 3, 1935, Bud was known for his deep love for the outdoors, staying busy, and always helping a neighbor in need.

Raised in Humboldt he was born as Unnamed Marcellus because the hospital would not allow his mother to name him Donon. So, she said she was not going to give him a first name. His favorite song growing up was “My Buddy” thus the name Bud is what he was called all his life. Not until the Army said he could not enlist without a first name did he have it legally changed to Donald. During High School he met his future wife, Carol Lynn Myers. After High School, Bud along with two of his best friends, Daryl Long and Zub McKellips, proudly volunteered and served in the U.S. Army. Bud’s service was from February 4, 1954, to January 23, 1959, in Kohlbruck Kaserne, Passae, Germany as a Field Radio Repairman.

After his tour in Germany, Bud decided to move to California and embarked on a notable career at Autonetics in Anaheim, California, where from 1960 to 1970, he played a pivotal role in building the computers that supported NASA's missions to the moon. Convincing Carol to move to California, they got married on Nov. 10, 1961. In 1970 they and their two sons returned to Humboldt, IA, where he founded Marcellus New Homes. From the 70s to the 80s Bud built 99 homes, significantly shaping the landscape of Dakota City. You cannot drive more than 3 blocks in Dakota City without seeing a home Bud built. After retiring from building homes, Bud worked as a car salesman, he and Carol managed Humboldt Homes, then moved to Ankeny and managed Four Season Mobile Home Park. Building his 100th home at Sun Valley Lake, Bud and Carol moved to retire. They later bought a truck and 5th wheel and toured the county for almost 6 years before moving to Altoona, IA. After the death of Carol in 2012, Bud moved back to Humboldt, IA.

Beyond his professional life, Bud was passionate about camping, fishing, pheasant hunting, gardening, and traveling. Bowling leagues and snowmobile trips were highlights during their time in Humboldt. Bud worked hard and played hard. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to neighbors, embodying a spirit of community and generosity. Once word got out about “Handyman Bud” back in town in 2012, he was busy every day helping people repair anything needed up to a year before his death.

Bud’s life was a testament to his resilient spirit, dedication to hard work, and his enduring love for the natural world. His legacy will continue to live on through the lives of those he touched and the community he helped build.
He was preceded in death by his wife Carol Lynn (Myers), parents, Albert and Catherine (Huen) Marcellus and his brother Dennis Marcellus.

Bud is survived by a son Treg Marcellus and his children, Colton (Justice) Marcellus and their daughter Penelope, Kaylie Marcellus, son Mitchell (Mary) Marcellus and their children Raven, Benjamin Marcellus and, a brother Duane Marcellus, two sisters, Darlene (Roger) Kleve and Donna Jean Marchant.

Service will be held at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at 11:AM on November 1, 2024, and will be buried with his wife Carol. A celebration of life will be at the Waukee Veterans Hall following the service.

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