"Bud" Workman

Harland Burdette “Bud” Workman Obituary

Harland Burdette “Bud” Workman was born on August 25, 1926, at home near Jerome, IA, the third child of parents Zelda (Loofbourrow) and James Wesley “Davie” Workman (Both Deceased). Bud grew up on the family farm outside Jerome, IA. He went to several local grade and high schools, played cornet in the marching and pep bands, and graduated from Seymore High School in May 1943 at the age of 16. He helped on the farm and went to work in the factories in Davenport, IA. He attempted to enlist in the military several times but was turned down due to several medical injuries. He had several jobs as a parts manager and at a small grocery and ice cream shop with Dorothy’s sister, Edris, and brother-in-law Leon LaDage. In 1958, Bud began working as a salesman for Oscar Mayer in Davenport, IA, often driving Little Oscar in the Weinermobile. Finding a job that matched his outgoing personality, he remained there driving his sales routes until his retirement in 1995. Bud never met a stranger.

Bud married Dorothy Jean (Nelson) on September 10, 1949, at Gordon Memorial Congregational Church in Moline, IL. They lived in the area and settled in Moline. They were blessed with children, Julie (Jeff) Jenkins of Scottsdale, AZ/Trumbull, CT, Kathy Nehrt of Troy, IL, and David (Sheri) Workman of Westborough, MA. Additional blessings are grandchildren Ellen (Vivi) Jenkins, Braden (Stephanie) Jenkins, Timothy (Melissa) Nehrt, Andrew (Jodie) Nehrt, Rebecca Nehrt-Flores, and Kendra Workman. Also loved are great-grandchildren Claire, Elliott, and Ivy Nehrt; Henry and Lila Nehrt; Juniper and Graham Nehrt-Flores; Moa and Leo Harland Jenkins-Forny; Quinn, Kallie, and Brie Jenkins.

Bud and Dorothy were close with their families, active in their church, and enjoyed activities with their many friends. He was a member of Riverside United Methodist Church of Moline, IL, and of the Doric Masonic Lodge. After retirement, he and Dorothy enjoyed spending several months each winter first in Florida and later in Arizona. In order to be closer to family, Bud and Dorothy moved to Glen Carbon, IL, in 2013. He made additional friends through Eden Village, Troy United Methodist Church, and the Glen Carbon Seniors. After 68 years of marriage, Dorothy died on January 11, 2018, in Glen Carbon, IL. Bud continued to live as independently as possible until passing away on Monday, June 30, 2025.

Bud was preceded in death by his wife, Son-in-Law John Nehrt, parents, sister at birth, older brother Forrest (Marcella) Workman, and Dorothy’s parents, sisters, and brother. Survivors include his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and their families; his friend, Jean Doonan, and personal assistant, Rindy Little.

Bud passed away peacefully on Monday, June 30, 2025, at Anderson Hospital, surrounded by family at the age of 98. The family expresses gratitude for the care he received from his caregivers at home and also at the hospital.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Riverside UM Church Foundation at Riverside United Methodist Church, 712 16th Street, Moline, IL 61265. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 14, at Riverside United Methodist Church beginning at 9:00 am with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 am. Please join us in celebrating Bud’s life at the memorial service, where we will remember his enduring spirit and the joy he brought to all of us.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and express condolences on Lanny's Memory Wall at wendtfuneralhome.com.