Alfred Garth Nauman, 96, passed away late at night on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021. Husband. Father. Leader. Dentist. Bud. Gucky. In his own words, Bud led “a mundane, but interesting life.”

Bud was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, June 15, 1924, to Anna Liska Knorr Nauman and Kurt Alfred Naumann (he later dropped the second n). He married the effervescent Evelyn Frances Klein on Nov. 10, 1955, after a brief and romantic courtship, and together they raised three children, Tim (Kayleen), Teri (Joe Mount), and Tom (Kimley). He is survived by his children and their spouses, 10 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

Bud served bravely in World War II, attended dental school at the University of Washington, and served for many years at the local level of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had a successful dental practice for years in Elma and could even be remembered leaving work in the evening in his dental gown while carrying his chainsaw, which he had kept safe inside. Jokes would be made by his family about the poor patient that had to have the chainsaw used on him. His work ethic was evident in all that he did.

His grandchildren have fond memories of following him in the garden, jumping in his bootprints, as he would meticulously till the ground each year. Everyone knew how he loved to snow ski.

President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said, “The aging process is (also) a gift from God, as is death. The eventual death of your mortal body is essential to God’s great plan of happiness. Why? Because death will allow your spirit to return home to Him. From an eternal perspective, death is only premature for those who are not prepared to meet God.” Bud could often be found reading and studying, and while, like all of us, his life was far from perfect, his faith in God and testimony of Jesus Christ were strong.

Per his request, a service will not be held, but his family hopes to face the future with faith and hope, and a prayer that, as Bud’s patient and loving wife Evelyn (1933-2018) would often quote, “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”