Bud passed away on October 18, 2024, at the age of 89 at Mayo Hospital in Mankato, surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, with Pastor Matt Lehman officiating. Bud’s family will greet guests during a visitation two hours prior to the service.

Merlin “Bud” Melvin Atz

Bud was born on November 1, 1934, in Heron Lake, Minnesota, to Frank and Anna Atz. After graduating from high school in Okabena, Minnesota, he worked at a tire shop and several gas stations. While working at his own gas station, he met his future wife, Arlene, who worked at the café next door. They were married on June 17, 1961, and made their new home in Albert Lea. He started working for the City of Albert Lea in the Utilities Department and served as the Utilities Foreman before retiring on November 1, 1999, after 38 years of service. In the spring of 2000, he returned part-time mowing for the Utilities Department, contributing an additional ten years of service to the city of Albert Lea. He served as an usher and trustee at Zion Lutheran Church and a member of the Moose Club.

His lifelong passion was woodworking, with talents including furniture making and lathe work. No family request or special project was too difficult. Bud loved a challenge, especially if it involved buying a new tool! Christmas was special with his handmade gifts. Bud loved all football, and nothing could compete for his attention on Sunday afternoons or Monday and Thursday nights. His steadfast loyalty belonged to the Minnesota Vikings. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends while snowmobiling and camping.

Family was important to Bud. A family tradition called “Friday Night Party,” was started 35 years ago; Friday nights were a special time reserved for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to get together and enjoy each other’s company while staying in touch with each other’s lives. Bud you will be deeply missed at our “Friday Night Parties.”

Bud is survived by his wife Arlene; daughter Debra (Steve) Tubbs; son Bruce Atz; five grandchildren: Joshua (Janelle Vietze) Tubbs, Matthew (Brie Woitas) Tubbs, Christine (Ryan) Blake, Leah (Katy Downs) Atz, and Taylor (Jaden Rasmusson) Atz; and seven great-grandchildren: Warner and Arlo Tubbs, Wynn and London Tubbs, Fiona Blake, and Huxley and Brixton Atz. He is also survived by his sisters Marion (Rich) Rumpf and Evelyn Potratz; twin sister Myrtle Kruse; brother Dennis (Sharon) Atz; sister-in-law Ardyce (Den) McCrary; brother-in-law Jim (Barb) Williams; along with many nieces and nephews.Bud was preceded in death by his parents; sister Lucille; brothers Norman and Ray Atz; sisters-in-law Marilyn and Janice Atz; brothers-in-law Merle Venenga, Donald Kruse, and Dennis Schmidt; as well as niece Amy Rozeboom.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Zion Lutheran Church.