William M. Budzinski, “Pastor Bud”, age 61, of Fennimore, WI, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday morning, March 24, 2023, at the Aspirus Stanley Hospital in Stanley, WI. He was born on October 1, 1961, in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, the son of Chester and Vera (Starks) James. Bud was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lori Schmidt, on September 16, 1989, in Appleton, WI.

Bud graduated with his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and his Master of Divinity from Duke University. Bud pastored the following churches in the North Carolina Conference before moving back to his home state of Wisconsin: Plank Chapel UMC in Kittrell, NC; Salem UMC in Hurdle Mills, NC; and Faith UMC in Burlington, NC. He was currently serving as pastor of Fennimore UMC, Stitzer UMC, and Castle Rock Lutheran Church. Before he answered his call to ministry, he was a high school teacher and coach. Bud was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed coaching his daughters in their elementary and middle school years. He coached softball, volleyball, and football. Bud loved his Minnesota Vikings, Milwaukee Brewers, Wisconsin Badgers, and the Duke Blue Devils. Bud found great peace in being outdoors. He loved taking care of his family farm in rural Thorp, WI, as well as hunting, gardening, and listening to music.

Bud was a dedicated man, especially to his faith, family, and community. He was a true servant of his Lord and was a blessing to us all in so many ways. Bud was a member of the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, where he served as a Team Leader on many mission trips, both domestic and abroad. He also served on the North Carolina and Wisconsin United Methodist Disaster Response Teams. He often put others before himself and was always there for members of his congregations, young and old, along with his youth teams where he assisted with coaching. Pastor Bud will be remembered for his awesome personality, his caring and loving support, quick wit, and allowing his wonderful self to shine through.

Bud is survived by his beloved wife Lori of Fennimore, WI; two daughters, Angela (Eric) Robertson of Bethesda, MD, and Brianne Budzinski (Fiancé Mason Eck) of Platteville, WI; mother Vera Budzinski of Thorp, WI; father Chet (Bonnie) James of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; brother Emory (Carrie) Budzinski of Wausau, WI; four sisters, Julie (David) Pasch of Sycamore, IL, Jody (Dean) Schulz of Beaver Dam, WI, Tina (Dave) Zabielski of McHenry, IL, and Jennifer (Corey Kitowski) James of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; father-in-law John Schmidt, Jr. of Appleton, WI; brother-in-law Greg (Patty) Schmidt of Appleton, WI; sister-in-law Amy (John) Vanden Oever of Sosua, Dominican Republic; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bud was preceded in death by his father Eugene Budzinski, his mother-in-law JoAnn Schmidt, and his nephew Aaron Pasch.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at the Fennimore United Methodist Church in Fennimore, WI. Funeral services will also be live streamed on the Fennimore United Methodist Church Facebook page. Immediately following the funeral service at the church, everyone is welcome for food and fellowship in the church hall. A private family burial will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at the Eidsvold Cemetery in Thorp Township, Clark County, WI. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2:00-7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at the Fennimore United Methodist Church and from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Wednesday morning. A memorial fund is being established in loving memory of William “Bud” Budzinski.

The Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore is assisting the family and online condolences may be made at www.larsonfuneralhomes.com