Raymond Budde

Raymond Martin Budde, 93, of Charlevoix, passed away on July 18, 2020 at Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital.  Ray was born on February 26, 1927 to Walter and Anna Horowski in Ludington Michigan.

Ray's father died when he was 3 years old. Ray's Mother would go on to marry Rhinhold Budde who adopted and helped raise Ray and his Sisters: Patricia (Arthur) Zergoski, Bernadine (Albert; Sonny) Fend, Betty Anne (Dennis) Rankin. Ray survived growing up on a farm during the Great Depression and quickly learned that farming was not for him. Ray started making paper for Packaging Corporation of America in Filer City plant where he worked for 47 years, retiring as soon as he turned 62. His work was interrupted by World War Two and Ray was drafted into the U.S. Army. Basic training under the 110 degree Texas sun was Ray's first trip off of the farm. He was soon sent on a troop transport ship to Italy where he was a guard for a German POW' camp. Ray had a chance to visit Switzerland on leave.

Ray married Helen Rakowski on April 18 1953, and born in 1957 was Son Dennis (wife Sue) and born in 1960 was daughter, Denise, who is the Mother of Grandchildren Christopher Thompson born in 1988 and Jeremy Thompson born in 1992. Ray found time to build a house for the family on Grant highway US 31. Sadly, Helen preceded Ray in death in May 1992. Ray married Elaine Poole Whitley on the Manistee River walk in August 1994. Elaine took Ray out of the Manistee area and they lived in Charlevoix for 26 years. Elaine added 4 children and 7 grandchildren to the family: Patrick (Julie), Dane (Tami), Dennis (Joanne), Kevin, Lindsay, Jessi (Aaron and Sawyer Blaszczyk, Luke (Bethany), Ashley, (Joe Carpenter Hazel Tew), Zachary, Elias, and Lane Whitley. Ray is also survived by his brother -in-law, Robert Rakowski.

Ray enjoyed automobiles and was able to travel to all 50 states with his wife while retired. Ray was a member of the Manistee American Legion Post, 10, a Life member of the Manistee VFW Post 4499 and the Barnard United Methodist Church.

Ray was preceded in death by his Parents, first wife Helen, His sister Bernadine Fend, nephews Rory and Del Fend, brother-in-law, Max Rakowski, and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Gajeski.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2020 at Pere Marquette Cemetery in Ludington, MI with Pastor Craig Pahl officiating.  Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service at 3:00.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are only able to provide six chairs for the family during the service.  Please bring your own chairs if you will be needing to sit.

In lieu of flowers. Memorial donations may be made to the Barnard United Methodist Church, 15978 Klooster Rd, Charlevoix, MI 49720.

Arrangements are in the care of the Winchester Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com