Paul Bernard Budde

Paul Bernard Budde, 90, of Traverse City, died June 28 at Munson Medical Center. A devote Catholic and active parishioner of St. Francis since retiring to Traverse City 25 years ago, Paul was a dedicated husband, a father of six and grandfather to 17. Paul was born June 24,1926 in Covington, KY to Lawrence and Anna Budde. Paul and his siblings, Jean, Ruth (Sister Mary Lawrence of the order of Notre Dame), Herbert (Huck), Maizie and Elizabeth grew up on a hog farm in Fort Thomas KY. Paul enlisted in the Navy on June 27, 1944. After the war he attended college at Xavier University in Cincinnati and graduated in 1950 with a BS degree in Chemistry.

In 1951 he obtained his master's degree in chemistry and began a career as a organic chemist for Dow Chemical in Midland, MI., where he met the love of his life, Geraldine (Gerry) Mary Lukowski. They married on April 4, 1959 and had six children.

Paul worked primarily in the Agricultural Department and was credited with 19 patents assigned to Dow Chemical. He retired from Dow in 1985 but continued to work as a greeter and Santa at K-Mart and tax preparer for HR Block. In 1991, Paul and Gerry moved to Traverse City. Paul enjoyed sailing, skiing, golfing and reading. He coached Little League Baseball and was a volunteer instructor for the Inland Seas Education Association. His greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren and attending their many sporting events. Paul was a man of few words, unless he had a funny story to tell or an important point to make.

Paul is survived by his dear friend, Bernadine Lukowski; his son, John (Rita) Budde of West Bloomfield; his five daughters, Mary (Harvey) Krantz of Traverse City, Sally (Kurt) Rivard of Glen Arbor, Janet (John) Broadbent of West Olive, Karen (Tom) Prescott of Mendota, Illinois and Carolyn (Kent) TeKrony of Terre Haute, Indiana. He will be deeply missed by his 17 grandchildren, Jack, Margo, and Eli Budde, Kelly, Kevin and Jessica Krantz, Peter, Eric and Elle Rivard, Meghan, Jillian and Paul Broadbent, Stephen, Jonathon and Mark Prescott, and Rachel and Rebekah TeKrony. Paul is also survived by his sister, Jean Staubach. Paul was preceded in death in 2010 by his wife of 51 years, Gerry, as well as his parents and four siblings.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at noon on Thursday, June 30, at St. Francis Catholic Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Mass will be officiated by the Reverend Kenneth Stachnik. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Inland Seas Education Association or Traverse Area Community Sailing.

Please share thoughts with the family at Paul's online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family.