GUDENKAUF, Retired Major Bernard J. Sr. "Bud", peacefully passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at Hospice of Hamilton. Bernard was born on March 10, 1919 to Dr. August and Agnes (Albery) Gudenkauf in Sidney, Ohio. He graduated from Holy Angels High School in 1936. He attended the University of Notre Dame and Ray School of Photography. Bernard enlisted in the U.S. Army before the start of WWII in 1941. He married WAC SGT. Mildred L. Hess on December 3, 1945 at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, and she preceded him in death on December 26, 2001. In 1965 he retired as director of environmental services, U.S. Army missile range, White Sands, New Mexico. After his retirement from the Army he worked as field engineer for AVCO Corp, with tours in the Pacific and Saudia Arabia. Over the next ten years he worked as director of industrial development for Butler County.

Survivors include five grandchildren, Matthew Gudenkauf, Christine "Tina" Gudenkauf, Michelle (Andrew) Spinazzola, Sarah (Marcos) Cuevas, and Deborah Gudenkauf; two great-grandchildren.

Besides his parents and his wife, Mildred, he is also preceded in death by his two sons, Bernard "Barry" Jr., and Lt Commander Patrick; four sisters, Kathryn, Elizabeth, Dorothy, and Carolyn.

All who knew Bernard are honored to have been part of his family and friends. The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of Hamilton for their genuine care and love.

Prayers will be offered at 10:30 am Tuesday in the Zettler Funeral Home, 2646 Pleasant Ave., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am in Sacred Heart Church with Fr. Larry Tharp celebrant. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30am in the funeral home. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery in Sidney, Ohio. Online register book available at www.zettlerfuneralhome.com