David “Bud” Zitzmann

David (Bud) Arthur Zitzmann passed away on April 23, 2024, from a brain tumor (glioblastoma) at the age of 85.  Bud was born December 21, 1938, in Morristown, MN to Arthur (Buster) and Edna Zitzmann.  He spent his early years living on a farm and helping his dad with farming chores.  After retiring, he got back into farming by helping plant and harvest at the Donley Farm in southern MN.  He continually marveled at the changes and advances he saw during his lifetime.

Bud graduated from Morristown High School in 1957.  He excelled in high school sports playing football, basketball, and baseball.  He joined the football team having never touched a football or seen a game, but he was a quick study and fast on his feet.  He always remembered the football game he ran 81 yards for a touchdown on the first play.

Bud joined the Minnesota National Guard in 1958 and served six years before leaving with an honorable discharge.  He loved his country and respected the men and women serving in the armed forced.

In 1962 he married Sharon Saufferer and they moved to Rochester, MN.  They had four daughters over the span of 12 years.

After working as a plumber, he got into the Plumbers & Steamfitters Apprenticeship Training Program and proudly carried a United Association Steamfitters card until retirement.  He was active in the union as an instructor and coordinator of apprenticeship and journeyman training.  He spent his working years in the trade working for Chuck Hiley at HiMEC, Inc.  He started in the field, then moved to the office estimating and project managing piping jobs.

In his spare time, he coached Little League Baseball, umpired baseball, and officiated high school and junior college football.

Bud worked hard throughout his life.  He made sure his daughters weren’t afraid to work hard, too.  He developed impressive woodworking skills, was able to fix just about anything, and always tried to fix existing before buying new.  Recirculating hot water lines were a specialty that he installed for many people to conserve water.

Bud married Diane (Kafka) in 2012.  They enjoyed epic vacations riding their Harleys with good friends Greg and Michelle Donley – trips that took them from Maine to Oregon and many places in-between.  They enjoyed driving around in their Corvette and riding their RZR.  Bud also enjoyed hunting, fishing, smoking meat and fish, and making sausage.

Bud is survived by his wife, Diane; daughters Kim (Jeff Boehm), Cindy (Eric Bohnert), Jill (Brad Krueger), and Jenny (Blaine Rinell); grandchildren Trent, Jordan, Ben, and Kate; Stepchildren Erik (Delmi) Kafka, Erin (David) Brankline, and Lance Kafka, and grandchildren Allisson, Alexa, Axel, Alexander, Arika, Giuliana, Isabella, and Bricelyn.

Bud was preceded in death by his siblings, Ronald Zitzmann, Sr. and Gladys Aldrich.

Memorials preferred to Plumbers & Steamfitter Local #6 Apprenticeship Training Committee. Checks payable to Local 6 JATC and mail checks to Local 6, P.O. Box 6375, Rochester, MN  55903