Kathleen M. Budke

Kathleen Mary (Schneider) Budke died peacefully in her home on May 29, 2019, after a long struggle with cancer.

Kathleen was born February 17, 1934, the fourth of seventeen children born to Catherine and Joseph Schneider at their family home outside Breckenridge, Minnesota. She attended grade school at St. Mary’s and at a country school. She graduated from Breckenridge High School with the class of 1951. On January 15, 1953, Kathleen married (Henry) Donald Budke at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Foxhome, Minnesota. Together Don and Kathleen raised thirteen kids on their farm near Phelps Mill in rural Otter Tail County, Minnesota, where Kathleen was a full-time homemaker.

Kathleen lived a deep, abiding Catholic faith and was tireless in working for the Pro-Life cause. She had particular devotion to the Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart. Kathleen often led the rosary at St. James where she also enjoyed Bible study and had a variety of other roles over the years. Kathleen’s hands were rarely still except when folded in prayer. Besides being a homeschooling pioneer, she had many creative talents including quilting, crocheting, knitting, braiding rugs, sewing, and more that she was happy to share with others. She was responsible for the growing, picking, and preserving tons of vegetables and fruits to feed her family.

Besides generously sharing the love of her Savior, Kathleen also shared her love of spiritual and classical music, strongly encouraging her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to develop and use their talents for the honor and glory of God.

Kathleen is survived by her husband, Donald; nine siblings; children, Dale, Mitzi, Laure, Tim, Bob, Julie, Kris, Nancy, Beth, Karen, Jon, Patrick and Dominick; fifty-two grandchildren, and fifty-five great-grandchildren.

Closed Casket Visitation: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 31, 2019, at St. James Catholic Church, Maine with a public prayer service at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the Mass at the church.
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 2019, at St. James Catholic Church, Maine.
Clergy: Father Jon Budke and Father LeRoy Schik
Interment: St. James Catholic Church Cemetery, Maine