David D. Budysz

David D. Budysz, age 91, formerly of Kellnersville and Francis Creek, passed away Monday, August 30, 2021 at Laurel Grove Assisted Living in Manitowoc. All of his kids, Barbie, Bonnita, Cindy and Mike were with him throughout the day into the evening. Even though he was unresponsive, he could hear words of love and caring, stories of time together and memories of a life well lived.

David was born on November 3, 1929 in Manitowoc, son of the late Frank and Cecelia (Thomas) Budysz. He grew up in Manitowoc and was a 1947 graduate of Manitowoc Lincoln High School. On November 11, 1950 David married his high school sweetheart, Gladys Roedig in Manitowoc. David began his working career at the Manitowoc Equipment Works and also bartended part-time for Jack’s Beer Garden.  The stage was set for realizing his life long dream, when David and Gladys bought a tavern in Francis Creek., naming it the “Dee and Gee Bar”, which he owned for 37 years until his retirement.  After Gladys passed away early in life at the age of 51 due to ovarian cancer on April 7, 1981, David later married the former Vilma Sudbury on May 30, 1983 in Torrance, CA. She preceded him in death on March 17, 2011.

David was dedicated to his beloved Chicago Cubs, and throughout his life baseball was a constant presence.  He played community ball as right-fielder for Skwor’s Bar; he umpired for youth games; and he sponsored and coached ball teams to winning seasons.  He was awarded “Exceptional Sportsman” in the early 90’s by the Lakeshore Sports Hall of Fame. 

Dad so enjoyed birthdays, Father’s Day, Christmas, and other special occasions where he would spend time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was always interested in what they were doing and putting a smile on their faces by his witty sense of humor. As a master joke-teller, an art no doubt perfected during sheepshead card games and entertaining exchanges with customers at the bar, he livened up large gatherings, as well as every day one-on-one visits. which continued even during health challenges in his later years. With Gladys, Vilma, and his sister Caroline, he loved cruises and exploring across the country, even traveling to Mexico and England. At home, his love of nature blossomed with his beautiful flowers and tender touch with beloved wild birds, his parakeet Chippy, buddy-dog Sassy, and kitty-cat Kootie Hu-Hu.  

Survivors include his four children: Barbie (David) Ferry, rural Manitowoc, Bonnita Budysz (Robert Theaker), Larrabee, Cindy (Gary) Eis, Mishicot, Mike Budysz, Kewaunee; six grandchildren: Leah (Mike) Heier, Laura (Jason) Ayotte, Angie (Aaron) Schroeder, Stacy Eis (John Pagel), Zack (Krysta) Budysz, Daphne Budysz; 14 great-grandchildren; five step-children: James (Rose) Binder, Sandra (Manny) Gonzales, Roberta Hajdu, Roxanne (Norman) LaChance, Lori (Dan) Wallender; eight step-grandchildren; and several great-step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: Frank and Cecelia Budysz; his two wives; Gladys Budysz and Vilma Budysz; one brother: Florian Budysz; four sisters: Frances McGlin, Lucille Kleman, Caroline Kowalski, Sister Mary Pacis, and great-granddaughter Taylor Budysz.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, September 3, 2021 at Calvary Mausoleum Chapel, 2601 South 14th Street, Manitowoc. The Rev. Christian Raj will officiate with entombment to follow in the mausoleum. Relatives and friends may call at the chapel on Friday at 1:30 PM until the time of service at 3:00 PM. The family asks that covid considerations be honored.  The Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Home of Kellnersville is assisting the Budysz family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

The family would like to thank the caretakers and staff at Shady Lane and Laurel Grove Assisted Living, along with Dad’s team of dedicated hospice nurses and doctors that provided Dad with much comfort and peace, easing any lingering pain or anxiety. Dad was in good hands throughout his time there.

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