William (Bill) Budensiek

William "Bill" John Budensiek, 91, of Goodhue, formerly of Zumbrota, died Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Goodhue Senior Living.

He was born March 7, 1934 in Red Wing to Roy and Edna (Kackman) Budensiek. He grew up in Zumbrota and graduated from Zumbrota High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served during the Korean Conflict as a Staff Sargent from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1956. During his time in the service, he met his wife, Socorro Pacheco, and the couple married on November 30, 1955. Together they raised 3 children.

Bill worked at IBM from 1956 - 1971 before he continued farming full time. He also worked for Golden Harvest Seed. Bill has long been an active member of his community. He was a member of the Minneola Town Board for 43 years, serving as the Board Supervisor. He was a long-time active member and trustee of the Stary-Yerka VFW, Post 5727 in Zumbrota. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and contributing to conservation organizations. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, the Zumbro Falls Gobblers, and of North West Wild Turkey Federation.

Bill was a lifelong member of the Congregational Church in Zumbrota until it closed. He has since been a member of St. Luke's in Goodhue. After his move to Goodhue Senior Living he became an active community member there too, participating in various groups and activities.

His friends and family were important to him. He loved his coffee club at the VFW where they met every morning. He enjoyed his Hucklebuck parties that, on occasion, lasted all night.

He was a family man, generous with his time and eager to help when needed. He loved his wife and children and was very proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He will be missed by many, including his daughter, Cristal LaCanne of Zumbrota; his niece who he loved like a daughter, Leslie Luhman of Mazeppa; his son, Art (Deb) Pacheco of Lake City, Florida; 6 grandchildren, Jorge (Kate) Bremer, Christina Pacheco, Ryan (Maranda) Pacheco, Shania (Dillon) Prough, Kenzie (Judd) O'Connor, and Mariah (Cole) Lingbeck; 5 great-grandchildren, Jack, Logan, Mckinley, William, Maverick, and one more on the way; and sister-in-law, Vivian Budsnsiek.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Socorro; son, Albert; and siblings, Kenneth, Floyd, and Lester Budensiek, Marilyn Tiedemann, and infant brother, Joyce; and his parents.

Funeral Service will be 11 a.m., Monday, October 27, 2025 at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Goodhue with Reverend Eric Hanson officiating. Visitation will be 1-4 p.m., Sunday, October 26, 2025 at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel in Zumbrota and one hour prior to the service at church. Burial will be at the Zumbrota Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com