Carl George “Bud” Fetter, a former Sitka resident, passed away April 17, 2016, in Eugene, Ore., from complications brought on by Alzheimer’s disease. He was 84.
Bud Fetter
Bud was born January 17. 1932, in Nyssa, Ore., the middle of three sons of June and Howard Fetter.
He grew up in the Portland area. Following World War II, his family moved to Sitka, where his stepfather, Leonard Ehman, had bought a fishing operation.
Shortly after graduating from Sitka High School, Bud joined the U.S. Army. He served in Korea and did two tours of duty in Vietnam as a platoon leader. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his leadership there. He served his country for 21 years.
In 1953 Bud married Janelle Hurt also of Sitka. They had two sons, Robert and James. They were married 44 years before Janelle died, in 1997.
Bud taught college ROTC while still serving in the Army, and after retiring he taught ROTC at Hoover High School in San Diego, Calif., for more than 10 years. He was an influential and respected leader in his students’ lives, and many kept in touch with him until his death.
Following his second career in teaching he and his first wife returned to Sitka, where he built his own home.
Early in 2000 he met fellow Sitkan Sandra (Hudson) Theiss at a class reunion. They married in November 2000.
Bud played golf expertly, enjoyed traveling, and was an animal lover. He also loved to spend time with his blended family.
Bud was an honorable man. A kind and generous person, who was loved and respected by his many friends and family.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents and beloved stepfather, his son Robert, his first wife Janelle, and his brothers Jay and Jack.
He is survived by a son, James Fetter of Eugene and grandson David Fetter of Portland and his devoted wife of 16 years, Sandra Fetter; stepdaughters Charla Theiss of Bend, Ore., and Lynn Bridges of Eugene, as well as his two stepsons-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, stepgrandchildren and great-stepgrandchildren.
Memorial services will be announced later.