Laurence "Bud" Robert Rautenkranz

Laurence “Bud” Robert Rautenkranz, age 78, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Tuesday, May 05, 2026. He was born in Huntington, Indiana to the late Robert and Alice Mackey Rautenkranz. He spent his final years in his beloved mountains and the sweet town of Erwin, Tennessee.

Bud was a proud United States Marine Corps Veteran having served his country honorably. During his time as a Marine, he was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Rifle Expert Badge.

He attended Cornell University and he was a self-employed Cattle Rancher. Bud attended Pilgrim Freewill Baptist Church where he loved and appreciated his church family. He loved the Lord with all his heart, and he was a man of strong faith. Bud was generous to those in need and lived to share his faith in Jesus.  

Bud loved anything and everything in nature. All his life, he loved the mountains. He enjoyed hiking and taking long drives with Teresa through the countryside and across the country. Bud loved cars and motorcycles, and he was amazingly well-versed in any subject you might want to talk to him about. Bud was a skilled carpenter who completely remodeled his home from the ground up.

His greatest joy came from his family whom he dearly loved. Bud was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Buddy leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of five years, Teresa King Rautenkranz; his five children: Dave Rautenkranz (Jenna) of Yakima, WA, Guy Rautenkranz (Jen) of Inverness, FL, Jessica Mousel (Josh) of Iverness, FL, Jason Rautenkranz (Charity) of Scappoose, OR, and Todd Rautenkranz (Christine) of Beaverton, OR; five siblings: Donna Fenzel (Jim) of Kildeer, IL, Diana Westbrook (Bobby) of Arlington Heights, IL, Doug Rautenkranz (Barbara) of Lake Worth, FL, Phil Rautenkranz (Kathy) of Lake Worth, FL, and Pat Zellermayer (Bruce) of Zellwood, FL; fifteen grandchildren; one great grandchild; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Buddy’s celebration of life service will be announced at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made in memory of Bud to help in the on-going recovery of Hurricane Helene victims: Paws & Pals Community Help Center, 1413 N. Main Avenue, Suite C, Erwin, TN 37650.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Rautenkranz family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com 

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Rautenkranz family. (423) 743-1380

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