George Matheu Budak, 85, passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2017 at Northeast Montana Health Services (Poplar Hospital) in Poplar, MT. He was born on September, 23, 1931 on the family homestead west of Poplar to Matheu and Laurentia Budak, who were immigrants from Romania.
George grew up on the family farm west of Poplar, MT. He graduated from Poplar High School in 1949. After high school he joined the Navy in 1955 and served for 2 years, stationed in Hawaii and Japan, followed by serving in the reserves for 4 years. After being honorably discharged he returned home to the family farm where he worked for 40 years, “retiring” in 2001 (but still liked to get in a tractor and work the dirt whenever the chance arose). He also held numerous odd jobs during the winter months to keep from going stir crazy. He was never one to be idle as long as he was able to work.
George married the love of his life, Roberta Unger in 1958 in Poplar, MT. They were happily married for 58 years. Together they adopted three children, Mark, David, and Ann Marie.
George was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Elks, and the Knights of Columbus. He was a dedicated member of the Poplar School Board, serving on the board for 24 years. He also enjoyed driving school bus for Poplar, Frontier, and Wolf Point, as well as driving the BIA fire crews.
George was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Mary Jane Budak and Sylvia Taflan, brother in law John Popa, son Mark Budak, grandson Noah Landsrud and grand daughter Marquette Budak.
George is survived by his wife Roberta; his son David Budak of Poplar, daughter Ann (Ken) Landsrud of Wolf Point; his sister Lucy Popa of Columbia Falls, MT; his grandchildren Rhianne, Cory, Zach, Michael, Mercedes, Jessica, Kendra, Rebekah, and Seth; step-grandchildren Samantha, Kevin, and Jessie; great-grandchildren Adaliyah, Adrian, Audrina, Mary Jane, and Daniella; numerous nieces and nephews, including his nephew Jim who was one of his best friends, and his niece Joann who was the apple of his eye, numerous great nieces and nephews, and many friends.
Visitation will be held at 6 p.m. until 7 p.m., followed by Reciting of the Rosary, Friday, January 6 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 7 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar. Interment will follow at the Poplar City Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Service Schedule
Viewing
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday January 6, 2017
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
105 F Street West
Poplar, Montana 59255
Rosary
7:00 p.m.
Friday January 6, 2017
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
105 F Street West
Poplar, Montana 59255
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 7, 2017
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
105 F Street West
Poplar, Montana 59255
Service Schedule
Viewing
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday January 6, 2017
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
105 F Street West
Poplar, Montana 59255
Rosary
7:00 p.m.
Friday January 6, 2017
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
105 F Street West
Poplar, Montana 59255
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 7, 2017
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
105 F Street West
Poplar, Montana 59255
Shane & Diann Gibson says
We are so sorry to hear that George has passed out thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
joanne lindlof says
5226 basswood lane
Dear Uncle of mine….you made such a profound difference in my life especially in the last few years. In you I saw my mom and I think, in me you saw your sister. Together we are bound by blood….sealed with love and sprinkled (heavily) with humor. Thank you, Uncle George, for all the laughter and memories. I miss you beyond belief.
Forever in my heart,
Joanne
Bob and Terry McAnally says
Bob and I wish to express our condolences to all of George’s family and friends. Sadly, one more long-time Poplar citizen has made his journey onward. May the Creator wrap loving arms around you all during this time of grieving.
scott taylor says
To the Budak family….I’m so sorry to hear about George’s passing……He was a faithfull customer of mine for over 30 years and I always enjoyed going out to the Budak’s….his sense of humor and laid-back attitude was always a joy to be around….may God hold you all close at this time……….Sincerely….Scott Taylor
Jason & Nathelle Frederick says
To The Budak Family,
We send our condolences to your family. We are very sorry for your loss. May God guide you to healing during this difficult time. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Brandon Neal says
To the Budak, my heart goes out to you during your time of loss. George was a great guy, will be praying for you all
Brother Bede Baldry, FSC says
What a great guy. Had many good meals with him and Roberta. I’ll miss him. Roberta and family, you are in my prayers.
Cindy Alpert says
Roberta, George always had a joke to tell and he also had a tender heart. The two of you were an important part of my years in Poplar. You treated me like family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Cindy Alpert
Geoff Hagadone says
I’ve known George and his family since I was a small boy. I have many memories of him. He will be greatly missed by many. My prayers go out to the Budak family.
Susan Twichel says
My thoughts, love, and prayers to all of you. George was a great man who was always busy doing things-family, farm, friends, school to name a few. he will be greatly missed.
Vera Tonjum says
So sorry to hear of George’s passing. Roberta my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Vera Tonjum
James Wilson and Rosella Sky Arrow says
Many blessing for Roberta, David and Ann (Ken) during this time of loss of your dear husband and father. We will always remember George as he was a big part of our life. He loved to tease and never let you get away without saying a few words. Our Son still talks about George the bus driver who drove his group to State Science Fair. He loved driving the kids and many stories can be told. God Bless.
Diane Piane says
Roberta & family. So sorry to hear of your loss I will always remember George as having a tremendous & funny, witty, sense of humor. I had a lot of good times visiting with George, he was always a joy to be around. Will miss him lots. My thoughts & prayers are with you all. Diane Piane
Gwen Frerich says
I am so sorry. Many prayers will be said for you all. Rest in peace, dear, George.
Doris Morasko says
sorry to hear about George.May he rest in peace. He was so concerned about everyone Will miss those eyes and his smile God bless you all and take good care of yourselves. Love Doris
Pr. Christine Holler-Dinsmore says
Ann and family,
Deepest sympathy for your loss. May you be comforted by your faith in God’s love, the hope of the resurrection and the healing love of family and friends. You and yours are in our prayers.
Prs. Chris and Greg Holler-Dinsmore
Pat & Robyn Baker says
Roberta, Dave and Family,
So very sorry to hear of George’s passing. Sending prayers and hugs.
Pat and Robyn Baker & Family
Bill and Kris Sampson says
Roberta and family,
Bill and I are so sorry to hear of George’s passing. We have many memories of George back in the day when Bill first started our Plumbing business. You and George were always the best to us and we will always remember that. Our prayers to you all. Bill and Kris Sampson
Joel Ferguson says
Mrs. Budak, Brother Dave and family. So sorry for your loss. You are our prayers..
Joel Ferguson says
Mrs. Budak, Brother Dave and family. So sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers..
Keith D. Barnett says
George and I served in the Navy together sixty-two years ago. Somehow, we have kept in touch all of these years. George would give me a Montana weather report about once a week. My first rememberance of George was the day I met with him and three other Navy boots in Honolulu, Hawaii. We rented a convertible and drove around the island on one day. I will miss those weather reports and I pray Roberta will stay warm.
Keith Barnett in Texas
Gay & Brian Pennington says
So sorry too see George past away. He always had a smile on his face and always stop too say hi and talk. My deepest Sympathy too the Roberta and the family. God Bless you all,
Penny Kaleva says
Thank you George for your many years of service at the school! God Bless you and you will be missed. Prayers for your family at this time of sorrow.