Edward G 'Big Ed' Budke

Edward G 'Big Ed' Budke

Nov. 28, 1932 - Aug. 29, 2014

McCOOK, Neb. -- Edward G "Big Ed" Budke of McCook, Nebraska passed away Friday, Aug. 29, 2014, at Hillcrest Nursing Home with his family by his side. He was 81 years old.

Ed was born on Nov. 28, 1932, in Salina, Kansas, to parents William and Mary (Boberg) Budke. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School, Salina, Kansas, in 1951.

On Jan. 6, 1953, he entered the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 19, 1956.

On Feb. 13, 1954, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth A. "Betty" Reedy in Coronado, California. After he was discharged from the Navy, they moved to various locations in Kansas. In 1963, they moved to McCook and later relocated to Indianola where they raised their five children. Ed spent many years with Cooper Feed as a salesman. He was involved with sales all of his life where he was loved by his many customers and friends. In 1971, he opened the Yamaha dealership, "Big Ed's Bike Barn." He was a father and a mentor to many young men and women in the motorcycle community. Ed and Betty retired in 1986 and spent the next 28 years in California and Arizona until Ed's health required them to move back to McCook to be closer to their family.

Ed was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus. Ed served in the capacity of Grand Knight and District Deputy while in Indianola. He was also a member of the Good Sam's Camping Club and McCook Elk's Lodge.

Ed's hobbies included riding motorcycles and dune buggies. He also enjoyed dancing and traveling. His favorite pastime was spending time with his family and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, William and Mary Budke; granddaughter, Jantje Budke; great-grandson, Zane Pace; five brothers, Ray, Larry, Ralph and Jim Budke and Nick Koster; and sisters, Lucille Carlson, Ruth Martin, Henrietta Turturici, and Helen Koster.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Betty Budke of McCook; daughters, Anna and husband, Michael Hays and Judy Budke all of McCook; sons, Blaine Budke and wife, Ann, of McCook, Mark Budke and wife, Clifva, of Santee, California, Chad Budke and wife, Toni, and Todd Dickie and wife, Diane, all of Norfolk, Nebraska; 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in his name.

There will be a visitation for family and friends from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014, at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home. Friends may go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend words of comfort to the family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014, 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in McCook with Father Gary Brethour officiating. Military Honors will immediately follow the service outside the church.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.