Louis W Budenz (1923-1995) *71

"Bill" Budenz was loved by all for his spectacular humor and selfless caring and joking interplay with family and complete strangers. Hearty strong laugh, "Ah, Ah, Ah, Ahh Ahhhhh!" shocked and induced belly laughs from all who experienced this way too frequent event! Purple Heart awarded for service in WWII - Guadal Canal. Drove invading landing boats under heavy fire. Spent time fighting on land after his craft was destroyed by Japanese fire. Recorded in the book, "Streets" to have suffered malaria (Extremely thin upon return to the States) as well as combat wounds. Formal records confirmed. Lung and other cancers linked to nicotine and ETOH. Loved his wife Dorothy (Gast) "Dot" and always treated her with extreme devotion and open humorous love as he could do best. Dot won the American Can Company Beauty Pageant in her youth and remained our beautiful queen until her death. Dot died several years after Bill in an Illinois nursing home also of cancer. Strong family belief - Bill was abel to sneak into heaven in time to enjoy the warm welcome St. Peter arranged for Dorothy - now one of the most kind and beautiful angels in heaven. Both are survived by their four children, William Robert, Daniel Thomas, Karen Marie (Riato), and Carol Anne (Foster). Budenz family reunion occurs every two years in Fort Wayne Indiana - 2012 is next. Bill and Dorothy were repeat Family Reunion King and Queen usually filling the halls of the Don Q inn with shock waves of teary eyed laughter throughout their glorious reigns! All family and friends are welcome to RSVP these reunions.