Obituary of Paul Peter Budnik

Budnik, Paul

Beaverton, Michigan

Our father Paul Peter Budnik, age 89, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at home in Beaverton, Michigan with caring guidance from Heartland Hospice, for a peaceful transition to our Lord. He was born in Bay City, Michigan on July 31, 1935, to the late Casimer and Anna (Wagner) Budnik. Paul was a graduate of Bay City Central High School, where he was a member of the track team. He retired from Bay City Powertrain and worked as a skilled tradesman as a tool and die maker. His favorite lifelong hobby was raising Clean Leg Tumbler Pigeons, being a judge for Pigeon shows, and racing birds. With his love of nature and the outdoors, he enjoyed riding his Quad Runner through the woods and bird watching. Paul was a member of the Bay City Pigeons Fanciers, various Tumber’s Clubs, and the Harbor Springs Flying Club. Paul married Theresa Sikorski on February 15, 1958, and she preceded him in death in 1980. She was the daughter of the late Stanley and Catherine Sikorski. Then in October of 1981 Paul married Anne (White) Benner and they were married for 28 years before her passing in 2009.

 He is survived by his children Judith (Mark) Grauf, Karen (Dwight) Friday, Mark (Sherri) Budnik, Mary (Thomas) Bissonnette, Dan (Deb) Benner, Jim (Pam) Benner, Tony (Jenny) Benner, Catherine (Bob) Bragiel, Tom (Becky Benner), Michael Benner (Goldie), Chris (Patty) Benner, and Jeanette Benner. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Joan Sauer, Elsie Fleming, Jeannette Budnik, and brothers-in-law Roy Helminiak, and Pete (Cheryl) White. In addition, Paul had many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as many special pigeon buddies who were lifelong friends. These buddies included Don Chevalier, Steve Zientek, Bob Riegel, Dave Emerick, Joe Granger, Norbert Wozniak, Tim Satkowiak, Al LaMare, Terry LaPage, Stanley Jamrog, Mike Drzewicki and Joe Kruzell.

Paul was predeceased by his siblings Floyd Budnik, Florence (Ollie) Lobodzinski, Virginia (Eugene) Magryta, Louie (Delores), Sister Gerald and Theodore. He was also preceded in death by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Kathy Helminiak, Norm Sauer, Donald Fleming, Patrick (Jean) White, Dan (Pat), Jim (Jerry), Delores (Bob), Veronica (Jim) Virginia (Charles), Catherine (Vincent) Thomas (Marilyn).

In lieu of flowers those considering an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital which was a charity near and dear to Paul, Theresa, and Anne’s heart.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to their dad’s neighbor, Marinah, who would bring him baked goods, homemade artwork and clean his steps in the wintertime. The family is truly grateful for her thoughtfulness. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid-Michigan.