Ronald J. Budkis

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died December 6, 2020

Ronald (Ron) J. Budkis, 72, of Gladstone, died of natural causes (non-Covid) at his home on Sunday, December 6, 2020.

Ron was born December 13, 1947, in Escanaba, the son of Walter and Elsie (Delveaux) Budkis.

Ron was united in marriage to Linda Lampi on December 5, 1970. The couple celebrated 50 loving years together.

Ron was a 1966 graduate of Gladstone High School. In 1968, Ron was called to duty and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army with B Troop 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Screaming Eagles 101st Airborne, earning the National Defense Service Medal, Purple Heart, Sharpshooter (rifle), Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Ron’s days spent serving his country in Vietnam both fulfilled him and haunted him as he struggled often with his memories of those who were left behind. Some of his best friendships were formed with fellow Vietnam Vets.

From 1969 to his retirement in 2006, Ron was employed at Mead Paper in Escanaba with the majority of his employment spent in the kraft mill.

Ron was a long time member of the Terrace Bluff Golf Club, hitting a hole in one on #7 in 2017. His many early decades spent hunting deer more recently turned into an appreciation of just feeding and watching them as they congregated in the backyard of his wooded Flat Rock homestead which, in 1970, he and Linda built adjacent to his childhood home where he was born and raised.

Ron was a member of the NRA and the DAV, and a proud supporter of President Donald J. Trump.

In addition to his loving wife, Linda, Ron is survived by their two daughters, Heather (Mark) Bruss of Carefree, AZ, and Jessica Budkis of Escanaba, MI; brother Andrew (Winifred) Budkis of Rapid River, MI; sister Linda Weddig of Escanaba, MI; grandchildren: Morgan Wastell, Rhys Wastell, Samuel Gallagher, Wyatt Gallagher, and Sydney Gallagher; nieces and nephews: Lori (Mario) Colunga, Andrea (Steve) Christian, Mike Budkis, Renee Budkis, Tracy (Jay) Bryan, and Nichole (Paul) Webber.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew James Budkis.

Socially distanced and fully masked services will be held at 3-5 p.m. on Friday, December 11, 2020, at Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County in Gladstone. The Gladstone American Legion Post 71 will be presenting military honors at 5:00 PM.

Skradski Family Funeral Homes is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

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12 Tributes for “Ronald J. Budkis”

    Ron – a friend since the early 50’s. Lived his entire life on the blacksmith with the exception of an Army stint via Vietnam. PTSD and shrapnel wounds had a prolonged effect on his life. Loved his wife and kids and always happy to let you know it. As kids good times were spent acting out our favorite western hero’s, playing football, baseball, homerun derby, and trips to the river for a summer dip. Loved his parents and bragged about good times hunting and golfing with his dad. A hole in one was his golfing achievement especially with his family present to witness. Golf scores were not important to him, he would claim a twelve and smile. The camaraderie we enjoyed most along with a stop at the 19th. I’ll miss him. BLM

    My deepest condolences for the family. I’m very sorry for your loss. My favorite memory of uncle Ronnie was his strong warm hugs when I visited! You could feel the love through his strong hugs.

    So sorry for your loss Linda and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Todd & Rita Kaminen

    To Linda and Family, I grew up with Ron at Flat Rock School, playing basketball together and being good pals. He was also a team mate at Gladstone HS where we rode home together in the Drivers Ed Car after basketball practices, sharing many hours of conversation. Had a nice visit with him several years ago at another friends funeral. He was always the same ‘ol Ron, a kind and good man whose memories I cherish. My sincere sympathies to all of you.

    Ron & I were the best of friends in high school and lost contact during our service times .
    As time went on we reconnected and we’re lucky to have spent over 50 years of friendship with
    Ron & Linda and their wonderful daughters.
    Lucille & I will always be greatful & remember all the good times we had thoughout
    the years. We have all lost a very special person.

    John & lucille

    I send my heartfelt condolences to Linda & all of Ron’s Family & Friends.
    Ron was a classmate of my brother Mike, and Linda was my classmate.
    A very nice family! So sorry for your loss & very thankful for his service in Vietnam!
    May he rest in peace.

    Sincerely~
    Cheryl (Kalishek)

    Our condolences to Ron’s entire family for your loss! I worked many years with Ron at the Paper Mill…He was truly one of the good guys. R.I.P. Ron!

    Ronnie was our neighbor for many years on Blacksmith Lane. He had this amazing smile and twinkle in his eyes. He shared some stories with my husband about their tour in Viet Nam. Our condolences to his family.

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