Milton "Bud" Espe was born May 31, 1922, at Bode, Iowa, to Harold and (Watnem) Espe. He graduated from Whittemore High School in 1941. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Bud married Elnora Voigt on July 18, 1943. They lived in Whittemore where Bud was in the post office for 35 years, and retired as postmaster in 1982. He was active in the community, having served on the school board, city council, community club, belonged to the American Legion, and was a long time member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where he served on various boards.
Bud died on Friday, January 6, 2006 in Elko, Minnesota at the age of 83.
Survivors include sons, Brian and wife Julie of Lakeville, Minnesota; Craig and wife Barbara of Kirksville, Missouri; Kent and wife Cathy of Winona, Minnesota; ten grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; two sisters, Veloyce Kelly of Lake Forest, California; and Zona Sigfridson of Phoenix, Arizona; and brother Dick Hanson of Winterset, Iowa. Bud was preceded in death by his parents and wife Elnora.