Frank Joseph Budz

Frank Joseph Budz, 93, of Wesley Chapel, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024. 

Frank was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 13th, 1931, to Frank Stanley and Victoria Mary Budz.  He was a man of deep faith, unwavering love for his family, and a lifelong dedication to service.  After graduating from high school in Chicago, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War where he proudly served his country.  Following his military service, he earned a Criminal Justice degree from the University of Wisconsin.  He then spent 23 years working with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, playing a vital role in the development of the Bureau's human resources policies and positions. 

In 1961, Frank met and married the love of his life, Marylou Schmidt.  Their marriage, filled with love and devotion, lasted until her passing in 2010.  Together, they raised four children - Frank, Jennifer, Mark, and Laura instilling in them the values of faith, hard work, and the the importance of family.  Frank's life was an example of these values, and he was a devoted husband, a loving father, a cherished grandfather, and a proud great grandfather.  

After retiring in 1981, Frank moved his family to the Tampa, Florida area, where he spent the remainder of his life.  Frank's life was a reflection of his Christian faith, always seeking to serve others and live by the example of Christ's love and humility.  He was a witty and wise gentleman, deeply proud of his Polish heritage and his family.  A man of many passions, Frank was an accomplished musician who played both the trumpet and the accordion.  He had a love for history, travel, fishing, and baseball, but his greatest joy came from the time he spent with his family.  His beloved pet poodle, Duchess, was his constant companion, never far from his side until the end. 

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, Frank Stanley and Victoria Mary Budz, his wife, Marylou, his brother Ray Budz (surviving spouse Sharon), his grandson Bryce Budz, and his son-in-law Michael Gann:

He is survived by his four children: Son, Frank V. Budz and his wife Mary Beth, with their children Sarah, and Natalie;  Daughter, Jennifer Daher and her husband Peter, with their children Myke Daher and Victoria Schreiber, and Victoria's husband, Spencer, along with their children Lyla, Amara, Norah, and Liam; Son, Mark Budz, with his children Joseph and Madelyn; Daughter, Laura Gann.

Also surviving are his brothers: Robert and his wife Pat, and Norbert and his wife Peg, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. 

Frank's life was a testament to living with purpose, love, and devotion to his Christian faith.  He was a man who touched the lives of everyone who knew him, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who were blessed to be a part of his life.  

Visitation will take place at Our Lady of the Rosary in Land O'Lakes, Florida, on Monday, January 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with a Mass to follow. 

Burial will take place in the Spring at St. John Cantius Cemetery, Sobieski, Wisconsin.  May he rest in peace, surrounded by the love of his Heavenly Father.