Ralph A. Budde, 89, Avon

July 31, 1927 - October 15, 2016

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30AM on Friday, October 21, 2016 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Avon for Ralph A. Budde, age 89, of Avon who passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud. Rev. Gregory Miller and Rev. Kenneth Thielman will concelebrate and burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8PM on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Avon and one hour prior to services on Friday at the church. Parish prayers will be prayed at 4:30PM on Thursday at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Avon.

Ralph was born July 31, 1927 in Avon to Bernard and Frances (Moening) Budde. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge, Ralph returned to the family farm in Avon. He married the love of his life, Margaret “Marge” Smith on September 26, 1959 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Avon. Marge was a hard catch, but she is so glad she took Ralph up on his persistent offer. Ralph took over the family farm and continued to farm mostly dairy and beef cattle. He was a member of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church; his faith was his compass. Ralph also served as Collegeville Township Supervisor for many years. He enjoyed vegetable gardening, four wheeling, driving horses, baseball, carpentry, and tending to the farm. Ralph was a simple, hardworking, lovable man. He always wanted to make people feel comfortable in his presence and would often say “Thanks for comin.” Above all else, family meant the world to Ralph and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marge; children, Brenda (Steve) Douvier of Albany, Dan of Avon, Sue (Shawn) Winter of St. Joseph, Karen (Dean) Ritter of Avon, Julie (Val) Knobloch of Eau Claire, WI, Connie Troke of Winona, Lynn (Dan) Burg of St. Martin, Curt (Angel) of Albany, Sarah (Jeff) Herdering of St. Rosa; siblings, Bob (Ella) of Albany, Rita (Bill) Ryan of Minneapolis, Vonnie (Art) Diedrich of Avon, MaryAnn (Eddie) Waletzko of Waite Park, Corrine Szafranski of St. Cloud; sisters-in-law, Elenor Budde of Avon, Donna Budde of St. Cloud; 20 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren and greatly anticipated the birth of twin great grandchildren in February; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Alvin, Cyril, Art, and Jean; sister-in-law, Delores Budde; Brother-in-law, Dave Szafranski.