Howard Charles "Bud" Ehrle

Bud Ehrle, age 82, of Miles City, MT, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2024 in Stillwater, MN. His family was by his side following a very courageous fight with Mesothelioma.

Bud was born in St Paul, MN on April 30, 1942 to Howard and Harriett (Johnson) Ehrle. At an early age, Bud had an interest in rocks and began collecting them. He was a junior member of the local rock club; as a teen he collected fossils in Illinois and Montana. Bud was a young entrepreneur, selling Thomsonite he collected on the North Shore of Lake Superior, in a mineral magazine. He graduated from Harding High School in St. Paul and studied Geology at the University of Minnesota for a year. Bud served 4 years in the US Army in Germany. Bud settled in Montana in 1969 and worked for the Milwaukee Railroad for over 10 years. In the 80’s following his love of geology, he began his own business, Bud Ehrle Geological which he continued until he died. In 1985 Bud found a previously unknown mineral which was named Ehrleite in his honor. Only two specimens have ever been found; both are on display in museums. More recently, a new ammonite was named for Bud, Hoploscaphites ehrlei. It is very rare to have both a mineral and a fossil named in one’s honor.

Bud travelled the U.S. and the world making many friends. He will always be remembered as a honest, trustworthy and loyal friend. He will be missed.

Preceded in death by his parents, many aunts, uncles and cousins. Bud is survived by son, Dion Scott of Billings, MT; sister, Carol (Steve) Bargsten of Stillwater, MN; companion, Sue Lackey of Bozman, MT; granddaughter, Keirsey Ehrle; and great-grandchildren, Maleiah, Sofia and Carter of Billings, MT; stepson, Deon Carlson and his son, Colton of Billings, MT; niece, Krista Bargsten of Portland, OR; nephew, Brian Bargsten and great-nieces, Rowynn and Eloise Bargsten of Santa Fe, NM; numerous cousins; as well as many other family and friends from all around the world.

Private interment will take place at the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Miles City, MT.

Bud’s final months were made easier by the physicians and staff at Mayo Clinic in MN, InterMountain Healthcare in MT and the nurses at Holy Rosary Infusion Center. Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Bud’s name to the Holy Rosary Foundation Cancer Center, 2600 Wilson Street, Miles City, MT 59301.