John P. Budek

John Paul Budek

John P. Budek of Petoskey, passed away on February 16, 2017 due to complications of pneumonia and heart failure.  He was born July 10, 1935 in Center Township to John H. and Julia (Bodzick) Budek.

He resided in Petoskey and was a member of the 1st graduating class of St. Francis High School in 1954.

On August 8, 1959, he married Sharon Athearn, and they made Petoskey their home.

John owned and operated an area auto shop, Budek’s Service, Inc., for 34 years, and retired in 1987.  After selling his business, he worked at Fochtman Motors, Meyer Hardware, and part time at the Bay View Country Club.  In more recent years, he enjoyed picking strawberries in the spring at Kiteleys Farm Market in Charlevoix.

John was very involved in the community he called home. Among his community activities, he served as scoutmaster for SFX Troop 7, coached Little League, and served on the Petoskey Auxiliary Police department in the 60’s and 70’s.  He loved to boat and fish, and held the office of President of the Petoskey Outboard Cruising Club.   He was a member of St. Francis Xavier church and achieved the status of 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He also served as 4th Ward city councilman from 1979-1988.

He is survived by Sharon, his wife of 57 years and his 6 children: Joanne (Gary) Jepsen of Ada, MI, John M. Budek of S. Carolina, Gary L. Budek of Florida, Karen Hypio of Traverse City, Richard D. Budek of Traverse City, and Allen (Tammy) Budek of Pennsylvania; as well as 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. His surviving family includes sisters, Julia (Joe) Gulish of Swartz Creek, Cecilia (James) Donegan of Saline, MI. and a brother Alex (Lola) of Maine, and sister-in-law Dawn Budek, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He enjoyed woodworking, bowling, golfing, playing cards and square dancing with his bride. He also loved reading his extensive collection of Louis Lamour novels over and over.

He was loved and will be missed.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 19, 2017 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Stone Funeral home.  Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, February 20, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic church in Petoskey.

Rest in peace.

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