Bernard "Bud" DiPuma

Bernard Gene “Bud” DiPuma, age 82, of Bark River, MI, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

Born on October 3, 1943, in Rockford, Illinois, Bud was the son of Bernard Charles and Jean C. (Franzene) DiPuma. During high school, he played for the first rock n roll band in Rockford, “The Rhythm Kings” and graduated from Rockford East High School in 1961. Bud went on to earn his business degree from Northern Illinois University in 1965. Soon after, Bud proudly served his country in the United States Navy, where he shared his remarkable musical talent as a member of the Navy Band. A gifted musician, Bud played both the clarinet and saxophone, and during his service, he also enjoyed teaching music to the officers’ children.

On July 25, 1970, Bud married the love of his life, Joyce Hodges, in Rockford. Together, they built a life centered on family, raising their two children, Lisa and Dan. Bud was a dedicated partner at Rock River Fastener Company in Rockford for many years. Following his retirement and the company’s sale to Fastenal, Bud and Joyce relocated in 2003 to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where they built their retirement home. There, Bud shared his great sense of humor with others and embraced a quieter pace of life, finding joy in the beauty of Lake Michigan and the peaceful surroundings he cherished.

Bud will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Joyce; his daughter, Lisa (Rogelio) Gonzalez of Sheboygan, WI; his son, Dan (Maria) DiPuma of Belvidere, IL; three grandchildren Julian, Paolo and Sebastien; Thomas (Carmen) DiPuma of Atlanta, GA and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Bud’s life will be held this summer.

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