Harold "Bud" De Vos

Harold M. De Vos, affectionately known as “Bud,” was born on November 10, 1946, to Dutch immigrant Pieter De Vos and Martha Tyler. He grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and attended Grand Rapids Christian School. Bud lost both of his parents during his early adolescence. As the youngest of four brothers, he was taken in by their families, including that of his brother, Professor Peter De Vos, who deeply influenced Bud’s intellectual life. Under Pete’s guidance, Bud developed an interest in academics and philosophy, which eventually led him to enroll at Calvin College. There, he met the love of his life, Charlotte Van Someren. Their devoted marriage of 57 years was blessed with four children and eleven grandchildren.

Bud began his professional career as an operations manager for a moving company in Holland, Michigan, and thereafter, was later hired in the same role for Metcalf Mayflower Moving Co. in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was during these times that Bud sustained a back injury —which marked the beginning of a lifelong battle with chronic pain, involving over 10 surgeries and endless medical care. 

In 1975, Bud and Charlotte settled in Baldwin, Wisconsin, where they built a life surrounded by extended family and close friends. Bud was an active member of the Baldwin Christian Reformed Church, serving as both an elder and a Sunday school teacher. 

Bud was a man of many talents and passions. He had a philosophical mind and was well-read.  He had a remarkable aptitude for mechanics and technology—electronics, vintage tube radios and particularly in the early age of computers. His artistic side found expression in stained glass, photography (including darkroom developing), writing, and gardening. A creative problem-solver and master "jimmy-rigger," Bud could fix almost anything.

He loved the outdoors, especially camping, hunting, and fishing—developing a lifelong obsession with musky, bass, and trout fishing. One of his most meaningful contributions came through his involvement with an online community of chronic pain sufferers called “Pumpsters,” where he offered comfort and lifelong friendships to others who faced similar challenges.

Bud will be remembered for his brilliant mind, generous heart, wry sense of humor, and his signature silliness that brought joy to those around him. Even amid pain, he remained a vital and loving presence in the lives of his children: Matthew, Erin, Robyn, and Seth.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Charlotte; his children Matthew (Liz), Erin (Jason), Robyn (Pat), and Seth (Alissa); and grandchildren Sophia, Aidan, Amelia, Allison, Franklin, Tenley, Josephine, Nora, Tyler, Austin, and Elliot.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Pieter and Martha De Vos; his infant sister, Mary Ellen; and his brothers, Gerald, Floyd, and Peter De Vos.

A Memorial Service will be held for Bud at 2:00pm on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N Sherman Ave, Madison. A visitation will take place at the funeral home from 1:00pm until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, the family requests that donations be made to Agrace Foundation at agrace.org/donate/ or to Wisconsin Council Trout Unlimited at wicouncil.tu.org.

To view the livestream of Bud's service, please go to Ryan Funeral Home Madison - YouTube.

To view this obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N Sherman Ave
608-249-8257