H. R. Fred Budd

H. R. “Fred” Budd passed away Saturday, August 9, 2025 at his home in Butte with his lovely wife Karen and family by his side. He was born in Butte Wednesday, March 27, 1940 to Fred Fobes, and Irene (Heard) Budd. Fred attended Butte schools including the Emerson Grade School and Butte High School. He served his country in the United States Army from 1956-1959 and following his honorable discharge, returned to Butte where he worked as an electrician for the Montana Power Company for over 30 years. Fred married three times. First to Marlene Cutler, then to Pauline Dennehy, and on August 30, 2014 he married Karen Smith Wenger in Carson City, Nevada. He was a longtime member of B.P.O.E. #240, Butte Elks Lodge, coached Longfellow Little League Baseball and Emerson Football, and enjoyed playing handball, and fantasy football, riding with friends and family on his Harley Davidson Motorcycle, and the annual trips to Lake Tahoe with his wife Karen. Fred was a true American patriot, honored to serve his country and proud of his family’s military heritage. He was a generous man who enjoyed donating to organizations that supported the military, first responders, veterans, and other non-profits devoted to the care of the less fortunate, and especially youth organizations. Fred is survived by his wife, Karen Budd of Butte, daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Ed Shea of Nampa, Idaho, sons and daughters-in-law, Fred and Laurie Budd of Eaton, Colorado and Michael and Ara Budd of Winnemucca, Nevada, grandchildren, Alena and Joe Sheire and their children Mason and Rowan, Terra Shea, Bryan and Jessica Budd and their children Braedyn and Brooklyn, Brandi Meier, Jacob and Mattison Budd and their children Blake, Payden and Wyatt, Brittany and Darius Luciano and their children Avery, Sawyer, Charley and Evie, Logan Budd, Joshua Budd and Timothy Budd. Other survivors include his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dennis and Darlene Smith, Karen’s children and their families: Marc and Julie Wenger and their children, Chera and Cody Cunningham and their three children: Kayleigh, Keaton and Kamryn, Josh Wenger, Steve and Cassandra Wenger, Sara and John Jaksha and their children Lily, Kylie and Paisley and Taylor Shapiro. Also surviving ishis granddaughter, Katelyn McKinnon as well as several nieces and nephews. Fred is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Irene, his sister, Betty Driscoll, his son, Kenneth D. Budd, daughter, Debby McKinnon, and first wife, Marlene Budd. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be conducted at a later date and will be announced.

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H. R. Fred Budd

March 27, 1940 - August 9, 2025