Ray A. Budde

Ray Alan Budde, 75, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at his home on Monday, September 21, 2026 at 12:38 p.m.

Ray was born June 3, 1951 in Altamont, Illinois, the son of Richard August and Gerogiana Elizabeth (James) Budde. He graduated from Altamont High School and went on to marry Nancy L. Morris on September 2, 1972 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Wataga, Illinois.

Ray is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy of Galesburg; two sons, Mike (Dianne) Budde of Galesburg and Nathan (Jamie) Budde of Altona, Illinois; one daughter Kate Budde of Galesburg, two granddaughters, Marie Budde and Veronica Budde; and two adored great grandsons, Frank Ray Martinez and Miller Michael Harter. Ray is also survived by one brother, Richard (Joan) Budde of Waterloo, Iowa; and two sisters, Ruth Ann Owens of Altamont and Margaret Hall of Decatur, Illinois. Along with his parents, Ray was preceded in death by four brothers, James, William, Robert, and Kenneth; and one sister, Roberta Devore.

Ray was a talented self-employed carpenter in the Galesburg area for many years, retiring in 2012. A talented musician, Ray could be found on Thursday evenings at Budde’s in Galesburg performing alongside his two sons. Ray was a devoted and active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and served on several years on the Costa Education Commission. He was active for many years with Prairie Players in Galesburg. He was a member of WIBA (Western Illinois Builders Association) and member of the state home builders association, serving as state president in 2001.

Funeral Mass will be 10:00 am. Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Galesburg. Father Jeffrey Stirniman will officiate. There will be no public visitation. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society or to Prairie Players. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.