Jennifer Jean Budde, 48, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully with her family by her side on October 1, 2024.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home with Fr. Jeff Frieden officiating.  Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com  In honor of Jennifer’s love for the Iowa Hawkeye’s please wear your Iowa Hawkeye apparel.

Jennifer was born on December 8, 1975, in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Edward and Jean (Norpel) Michel Sr. She graduated from Bellevue High School, Class of 1994. On May 3rd, 2003, she married Jacob Budde in Dubuque. Jennifer worked at the front desk at the Grand Harbor Hotel. To know her was to love her. She loved her family and friends more than anything. She would give the shirt off her back when needed but could also give attitude when necessary. With her attitude she could be described as wild and crazy. She was always available to help with whatever. She was truly one of a kind, and fought the fight until the very end. She will be dearly missed. No words will ever be able to fully describe the woman that she was.

She is survived by her husband Jacob; her four children: Christopher Nitsos, of Hazel Green, WI, Zachary Koerperich, of Cedar Rapids, Tailey Budde and Aspen Budde both of Dubuque.

Her siblings: Eddie “Rabbit” Michel Jr., Bellevue, Iowa, Rod (Michelle) Michel, of Georgia, Dave (Tami) Michel of Bellevue.  Mother-in-law Chris Olson, and step father-in-law, Marty Beckman. Siblings-in-law: Wayne Beckman and Marcus Beckman.

Nieces and nephews: Sara (Kevin) Kloser, Stephanie (Jesse) Kremer, Maddie Michel, Phil (Ashley) Michel, Matthew (Mallory) Michel, John (Danielle) Michel, Josh Michel, Shane Michel, Austin Michel, Ty Kloser, Logan Kloser, Charlotte Beckman, Griffin Beckman, Ivan Beckman, and Brolin Beckman.

Preceded in death by parents, sister-in-law Kathy Michel, father-in-law John Budde, nephew Trevor Michel and a great nephew Clayton Kremer.

In lieu of flowers a Jennifer Budde memorial fund will be established.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Dubuque for all of your love and support. Jennifer also wishes to thank her best friends Kimmy Hayes, Jessica King, and her life long best friend Ann Davis and Jennifer Powers.