of Petoskey, formerly of Allegan, died Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at the Sunnybank Assisted Living Facility in Petoskey. Mr. Blanz was born March 13, 1919, in Allegan the son of Carl and Christine (Edgerton) Blanz. Bud graduated from Allegan High School in 1937. He was a Veteran of the United States Army serving in North Africa and Italy in the 16th Armored Engineers, he received a battlefield commission in 1944 to 2nd Lieutenant, receiving the Bronze Star with 2 oak leaf clusters, as well as the Purple Heart. Moving back to Allegan, Bud, worked for Halliburton in the oil fields north of Allegan, owned and operated the Texaco Gas Station, and Buds Home and Auto for many years. He worked for Carl Goodwin as a bulldozer operator and helped build the road to Holland. He served on the Allegan Fire Dept. for many years and was a past Chief. Surviving are his 2 children; Christine and Russ Pomeroy of Gobles, and Russell and Elena Blanz of FL, 3 grandchildren; Jesse and Tara Pomeroy, Chapin and Julie Pomeroy, and Sara and Jeff Barkils, 3 great grandchildren; Ken, Cooper and Colby, 1 sister, Florence Wells of CA, 1 brother, Robert Blanz of Petoskey, several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Raymond and Eileen Blanz, and 2 sisters and brothers-in-law, Helen and John Huzik, and Jean and Alan Ryon. Friends may meet with the family on Monday the 25th from 6-8 pm, at the Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, where the funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 11 am. Pastor Barry Lucas will officiate. Military graveside services will be conducted by the Otsego VFW Post 3030, at Oakwood Cemetery, Allegan. Memorials may be made to the First Congregational Church, or the Allegan Community Foundation Russell G. Blanz Scholarship Fund.