Morris Emanuel (Bud) Pelz, 85, of Custer, SD, formerly of Metamora, IL, died August 20, 2009 at the Custer Regional Senior Care Center in Custer.

Bud was born April 5, 1924, in Washburn, IL, to William and Inez Pelz. As a young man he lived with his family on a farm near Washburn. In 1945, Morris joined the United States Army and was a military policeman stationed in Germany. In that same year he married Irene Seckler. Once out of the Army, Morris and Irene made their home in Metamora. Morris worked for Schierer's Dairy for thirty years, had his own sewer/plumbing business, and then worked as an over-the-road truck driver until retiring. Irene passed away July 8, 2007.

Survivors include his two daughters, Valerie (John) Ziolkowski of Custer; Janna Otto of Silverdale, WA; two granddaughters, Madea; Jennifer; three great-grandchildren, Stephanie; Adam; Michael; two sisters, Eleanor Hess of Henry, IL; Mary Meister of Metamora, IL; three half-brothers, Harold Pelz; Paul Pelz; Laverne Pelz; five half-sisters, Ruth Freese; Shirley Ahlrichs, Betty Vangundy, Verna Jean Grant Janet Anderson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Bud is preceded in death by an infant daughter, Carol; and step-sister, Lorene Leman.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date.

The family suggests memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 and the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.