Gene Budach

Gene Roy Budach

A celebration of life for Gene Roy Budach of New Richland will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009 at 10:30 AM at the First Congregational Church in New Richland. Pastor Pamela Jensen and Pastor Carey Larson will be officiating the service. Visitation will be on Monday Feb., 9 ^th from 4-7 pm at the Friedrich Funeral Home in New Richland.

Gene passed away peacefully with family by his side on Friday, Feb. 6 ^th at the New Richland Care Center . He blessed the lives of those who loved him for 80 years.

Gene was born on May 1, 1928 in Mankato , MN to William & Dorthea (Hueper) Budach. He attended the country school in Faribault County about a mile from his home and helped on the family farm.

He was united in marriage to Mildred (Melcher) Budach on November 2, 1945 in Webster City, Iowa. Together they farmed and lived in the Minnesota Lake , Mapleton & Ellendale areas. In 1965, he purchased the IH Implement and moved his family to New Richland. He owned and operated Budach Implement and continued farming until his retirement.

Gene was an active member of his community who participated in the Lions Club and many church committees, served as Mayor of New Richland, served on the New Richland Development Corporation and was honored as Grand Marshall of the Farm & City Days Celebration in 2003.

Gene was a “people” person who truly enjoyed his family, friends and just visiting with people, in general. He loved spending time outside at their lake property, going on walks with his dog, Maggie, fishing, tinkering in his garage and yard, riding his “Sputnik” ATV, and visiting over a fresh cup of coffee. His greatest joys were his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Gene leaves to cherish his memory, his three children: Irene (Ralph) Krueger of Waseca , MN , Gary (Kris) Budach of New Richland, MN, Lynn (Steve) Hagen of New Richland, MN, daughter-in-law, Cindy Budach of Owatonna , MN . There are 13 grandchildren: Mike (LeeAnne) Budach, Shari (Corey) Mensink, Jessica (Brett) Richards, Jeremy Krueger and his special friend Christina, Joshua (Tiffany) Krueger, Tanya (Matt) Schlinger, Holly (Ryan) Nissen, Daniel (Kari) Budach, Nicholas ( Erin ) Budach, Jenny (Joe) Erickson, Stephanie Hagen and special friend Jason, Dustin Hagen, Brandis Hagen and special friend Shawn. Also surviving are his brother, LaVerne (Elaine) Budach, 18 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Mildred, his parents William and Dorthea Budach, son David, son-in-law Randy Knutson, and sister Pearl Huettl.

Gene will always hold a special place in our hearts. Blessed be the many fond memories of our Dad, Grandpa and Papa.