Mitch Budnik

Mitchell “Mitch” Budnik, 69, of Posen passed away Monday, March 27, 2023, at his home after a long-fought battle with diabetes. 

The son of Theophilus and Antoinette (Strzelecki) Budnik was born in Rogers City on December 1, 1953.  He graduated from Posen High School and was united in marriage to Clara Bellmore on April 8, 1972.  Together, for the last 50 years they raised their family on East Metz Highway, “Budnikville”, in Posen, Michigan.  

Mitch was a man who wore many hats in his 69 years, the last of which was owner and operator of M&B repair for 30 years.  He was also a bus driver for Posen Schools for over 25 years, where many past students still remember him as, “the big grizzly bear on the outside, with a teddy bear heart on the inside.”  He had a love for all kids, especially his students.  He enjoyed wood working, cooking, hunting, riding his four-wheeler, and giving bunny bumps to his grandkids. 

  He was quick witted and had many talents of which he passed on to the highlights of his life, his grandkids. His favorite place was the Lone Oak deer camp where he enjoyed many happy memories with family and friends. 

Surviving are his wife Clara, two daughters Christy (Rich) O’Dell, and Marie Eldridge(Glen Roeske), a daughter in law, Shelly Budnik; four grandchildren, Hope and Zachary O’Dell, Hannah and Katie Eldridge.  Mitch came from a large Polish family where he was the baby of 16 children.  His favorite saying was, “Ma and Pa stopped when they hit perfection!” Of the 16 he is survived by a sister Jeanette (Bill Buczkowski), three brothers George Budnik, Emil (Patsy) Budnik, Larry (Barbara) Budnik, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son James in 2019, 7 brothers; Fritz, Phil, Clarence, Beaver, Pat, Florian, and Leon, and 4 sisters; Annette Budnik, Bernadette Lewandowski, Carol Darga, Elaine Grzeskowiak.

A visitation will be on held on Friday, March 31, 2023, at Hentkowski Funeral Home from 1:00 – 4:00 with a rosary and prayer service at 2 pm.  A celebration of Mitch’s life will follow at Belknap Township Hall. 

Memorials are suggested to Posen Fire & Rescue or a charity of friend’s choice.