Richard Joseph Budnik
Richard Joseph Budnik, “Rick”, 84, of Tifton died Sunday, March 5, 2017 at Tifton Health and Rehabilitation Center.
A Memorial Mass was held Wednesday, March 8, at Our Divine Savior Catholic Church with the Rev. Justin Ferguson officiating. A private interment will be held in Rogers City.
Mr. Budnik was born August 2, 1932 in Rogers City to the late Julius and Theresa Kielizewski Budnik. Beginning when he was 16, he served on the Great Lake freighters which carry bulk cargos on the Great Lakes.
While living in Michigan for most of his life, Mr. Budnik enjoyed hunting, fishing, racing snowmobiles, playing golf and bowling. He married Carol Ruse Budnik in 1985 and together they lived in Tifton since 1987.
Mr. Budnik was a member of Our Divine Savior Catholic Church and lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus. He was instrumental in starting Council 10541 in Tifton. Mr. Budnik loved to cook and he put on many dinners for the Knights of Columbus and Our Divine Savio
In addition to his wife, Mr. Budnik is survived by four daughters and one son-in-law, Linda Budnik, Deborah and Scott Stevenson, Sherry Schmits and Lisa Medici, all of Grand Ledge; three sons and three daughters-in-law, Kenneth and Kay Simpson of Scottsdale, Arizona, William and Estelle Simpson of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and John and Alex Simpson of Palm Bay, Florida; five grandchildren; six brothers; and two sisters.
Mr. Budnik was preceded in death by one brother.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Our Divine Savior Catholic Church, 1205 Love Ave., Tifton, Georgia 31794.
Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the guest registry at www.albrittonfuneral.com.