Herbert W. Budnik

Herbert "Rat" W. Budnik, age 90 of Chamois, passed away Thursday, October 29, 2009 at his residence.

Rat was born November 21, 1918 in Chamois, a son to the late Joseph and Ella (Starke) Budnik. He attended school in Morrison.

On December 10, 1941, he was united in marriage to Verda White in Jefferson City. She preceded him in death on April 8, 2005.

Rat was a lifelong farmer and served as a custodian to Gov. Joseph Teasdale from 1978-1979. He enjoyed fishing with Verda. They shared many hours together enjoying each other's company and seeing who could catch the biggest fish. He also enjoyed hunting and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan.

He was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Knights.

Rat is survived by; two sons, Jerry and his wife Linda Budnik of Jefferson City and Kenneth and his wife Debbie Budnik of Owensville; one daughter, Sandra and her husband Harold Gruebbeling of Chamois; one sister, Dorothy Ellis of Jefferson City, 13 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, Rat was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Steven Budnik and Jill Peters; one brother, Albert Budnik; and three sisters, Una Milster, Delma Stegeman and Bernadine Nichols.

Visitation will be held 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, November 1, 2009 at the Morton Chapel in Chamois.

Funeral Services will be at10:00 a.m., Monday, November 2, 2009 at Morton Chapel in Chamois with Fr. David Means. Interment will follow at the Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Morrison.