Lawrence P. Budzinski

Lawrence P. “Larry” Budzinski

Age 87 of Joliet, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on Friday, October 11, 2024.

Preceded in death by his parents, George R. Budzinski and Emilia “Milly” (nee Swiersz) Budzinski, and brother Jerome F. Budzinski.

Beloved husband of the late Nancy Lee (nee Wisneski) Budzinski; loving father of Julie (Jeff) Anderson, Dan (Carrie) Budzinski, and ToniLynn (Al) Gibson; cherished grandfather of Anthony and Alex Gibson, and Kyle and Ryan Pearce; beloved brother-in-law of LaNora (Frank) Lukanich; brother of Georgia Schneider and loved uncle, cousin, and friend of many.

Larry graduated from JTHS in 1955 and then proudly served in the US Army from 1957 to 1959. He did basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and artillery training at Fort Sill, OK. He was stationed in Germany for two years. He was employed in retail sales for 30 year with Sears, Roebuck and Co., and Markelz Office Products. Larry also served the County of Will, in the Land Use Department and then proudly served as a Bailiff before retiring. He was a past member of the Joliet Federation of Musicians Local 37, and founder and lead singer of the Larry Budde Trio. He loved restoring and maintaining his antique cars, and he was a past member of the POCI. Larry was also a driver for Kurtz Memorial Chapel for many years. One of his greatest joys was watching and supporting his grandchildren in their various activities. Dad taught us to live life to the fullest and without regrets.

The family would like to thank Paulina, his nurse and all the staff from Aim Home Health; Gina his caregiver and Loretta from Your Loving Family; and Dr. Roma Thomas of Roma House, for their loving care, kindness, and compassion.

Family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 E. Francis Road, New Lenox, IL on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 3pm-7pm. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home immediately following the wake. 

On Friday, October 18, at 10:00 am, there will be a brief prayer service at Kurtz Memorial Chapel. Interment with Military Honors at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Joliet, IL, will take place immediately following.