Carlyle David "Bud" Rea, 87, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on September 1, 2025, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5, at Miller Funeral Home, Downtown Chapel, 507 S. Main Ave., Sioux Falls, SD. A private memorial service will be held, with burial at a later date.

Bud was born on August 13, 1938, in Sioux Falls to Earl and Armetha (Even) Rea. He spent his school years at Cathedral Grade and High School.

In 1960, Bud married Valerie Zahrenhusen in Luverne, Minnesota. They began their married life in Sioux Falls, and Bud started working for International Harvester Company as a mechanic for many years. He was a skilled mechanic and later opened his own car repair service. Bud was an extremely honest man, and you could count on him to do excellent work at a reasonable price.

He was also a brave man, and in 2003 he was awarded the Sheriff's Commendation Award for "The Saving of a Human Life Through a Courageous Act of Heroism." After three dangerous attempts, Bud rescued a man from his burning house.

Bud and Val built a vacation home in the Black Hills and spent many happy times in the beautiful Hills. In his younger years, Bud enjoyed riding his Indian motorcycle, and the highlight of every summer was attending the Sturgis Bike Rally.

Bud was a kind, honest, gentle man with a wonderful sense of humor. He was also a lover of animals, especially German Shepherds, and there was always one at his side.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Donna Fechner and Faye Green-Hill; two nephews, Jerry Green and Fred Green; and one niece, Margaret Konrad. Blessed to have shared his life are his wife, Valerie; sister, Kathleen Conradi; brother-in-law, Gary Conradi; nieces, Deborah (Todd) Herrboldt, Rebecca (Robert) Bauman, Beth Conradi, Pam Cameron, Laura Balducci, Marcie Wellendorf, and Angie McMillan; and one nephew, William Conradi.

The family would like to thank Bethany Home in Brandon, SD, and Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls for their kindness and wonderful care. We are so very grateful for all you did for Bud.

Memorials may be directed to The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, The Bethany Lutheran Foundation or Calvary Episcopal Cathedral in Sioux Falls.

Forever in our hearts