Dale Orum Obituary

Dale F. (Bud) Orum won the victory and entered into Jesus’ arms on October 28, 2024 in Cedar Rapids Iowa. He lived with Alzheimer’s disease for many years but it never robbed him of his recognition of his beloved family and his love for his Lord and Savior.

Bud was born on February 4, 1937 to Paul and Grayce Orum in Chester, Iowa. He was the youngest of 13 children, hence the nickname Bud as he was everybody’s little Buddy. He graduated from Chester High School. After graduation, he served his country in the Army from 1955-1956 where he was stationed in Japan for 16 months before receiving an honorary discharge. Bud married the love of his life, Patricia Cornelius, on January 10, 1959. Bud and Pat were blessed with 4 daughters.

Bud is survived by his wife of 65 years, Patricia (Pat), and their four daughters: Joni (Roger) of Solon, IA; Kristi (Louis) Vaca of Kansas City, MO; Jeani (John) Brandt of Luzerne, IA; and Angela (Matt) Peterson of Kansas City, MO. He is also survived by nine grandchildren—Tyler, Sydni, Mallory, Isaac, Janifer, Joey, Savannah, Ezra, and Emery—and four great-grandchildren, Gaven, Hemingway, Grey, and Ellis. He leaves behind two siblings, Donald and Eleanor.

Throughout his career, Bud held various positions in the Waterloo, Iowa area, including roles at Rath Packing Company and a crop spraying partnership with Jim Platt. He later became the owner of Orum’s Spray Service, where he worked alongside Pat for many years until their retirement.

Bud enjoyed camping and snowmobiling with his family. He looked forward to annual family reunions as he treasured the time spent with those he held most dear. Bud and Pat traveled to Southern Texas for 27 years to spend their winters in the sun. He enjoyed playing horseshoes and square dancing with Pat and friends. He loved to twirl Pat around the dance floor and they appeared to move as one. Summer months found him back in Iowa visiting family, woodworking, tending the garden, feeding the birds, and taking care of his lawn and trees.

Bud and Pat were devoted members of the South Waterloo Church of the Brethren for over 60 years where Bud’s Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, November 8th, with visitation starting at 9:30am and the service to begin directly following at 11:00am. A luncheon will be held after the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the South Waterloo Church of the Brethren or St. Croix Hospice, who provided excellent care to our husband and father.