Robert Budde

Robert "Bob" Charles Budde, age 93, of Albany passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 16 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany with Rev. Julius Beckermann, O.S.B. officiating and Rev. Edward Vebelun, O.S.B. concelebrating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Albany American Legion.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Seven Dolors Gathering Area in Albany. Parish prayers will be at 4 p.m. and prayers by the American Legion at 7 p.m. Tuesday evening.

Robert was born June 15, 1924 to Bernard and Frances (Moening) Budde in Avon, Minnesota. Bob proudly served in the US Army during World War II from 1944 to 1946 and was stationed in the Philippine Islands. Bob was united in marriage to Ella Keppers on August 30, 1960 at St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Avon. Together they lovingly raised five children on their dairy farm west of Albany, where he enjoyed working the land and tending to the animals. They moved off the farm in 1994, but you couldn't take the farmer out of him. He continued to help his eldest son on the farm until he was in his late 80's. Prior to farming, he co-owned and operated Budde Trucking for several years with his brother, Cyril.

Bob was a gentle man who had a great smile and a sense of humor that was enjoyed by all. He loved his family and enjoyed pheasant and deer hunting, old-time dancing (especially to The Jolly Fishermen), bowling, playing cards, watching the Twins, an occasional trip to the casino, and spending time with his family and friends.

Bob was a member of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany, Catholic Order of Foresters, and the Albany American Legion.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Ella Budde, of Albany; children and grandchildren, Lori (Dennis) Rolfs-Lindsey, Maggie (Derek) Berggren, and Abby of Maple Grove, Ron (Doris) Budde-Nick, Chris, and Katie of Albany, Randy (Denise) Budde-Kaela, Gabby, Nathan, and Emily of Sauk Rapids, Krista Budde (Mark Eckel) of Anoka, and Jerry (Lisa) Budde-Angela and Carson of Windsor Heights, IA; sisters, Rita (Bill) Ryan of Minneapolis, Vonnie (Art) Diedrich of Avon, MaryAnn (Eddie) Waletzko of Waite Park, Corrine Szafranski of St. Cloud; and sisters-in-law, Donna Budde of St. Cloud and Marge Budde of Avon.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Janelle Budde; brothers and sister, Alvin, Cyril, Ralph, Arthur, and Jean Budde; sisters-in-law, Elenor Budde and Delores Budde; and brother-in-law, Dave Szafranski.

The family would like to thank Dr. Nate Brever, the staff at Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany, and the St. Cloud Hospital staff for their care and concern during his last years. A heartfelt thank you to Marian Sand for the support and friendship she has given to both of our parents.

Casket bearers will be Ron Budde, Randy Budde, Jerry Budde, Dennis Rolfs, Mark Eckel, Nick Budde, Chris Budde and Nathan Budde. Cross bearer will be Abby Rolfs and scripture bearer will be Gabby Budde. Placing of the pall will be Ella Budde, Lori Rolfs and Krista Budde. Readers will be Maggie Berggren and Kaela Budde and gift bearers will be Katie Budde, Emily Budde, Angela Budde and Carson Budde.