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John Budnick

November 26, 2022
Portage, MI

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John "Jack" Edward Budnick died unexpectedly on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022 after just 51 short years of life. Jack was born to John "Jack" and Merry "Miki" (Dudick) Budnick on Aug. 14, 1971 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He and his siblings had an ideal childhood, spending their formative years in a home and neighborhood filled with ponds and woods to explore. Together, Jack and his brother, Adam, pursued trouble like it was their jobs; the stories sustain many family gatherings. And like his dad and grandfather before him, Jack loved to be outdoors to fish, hunt and golf. After graduating from West Catholic High School in Grand Rapids, Jack attended Michigan State University, where he became an Alpha Tau Omega and, most significantly, met his beautiful and dedicated wife, Michelle (Gardner). Jack and Michelle tied the knot on October 12, 1996. In the years that followed, Jack and Michelle welcomed and raised three amazing children: John "Jack," Sarah and Rachel. Jack loved his family. In those days, he could be found coaching his son's baseball team, and shouting support (and suggestions!) from the crowd to all three kids as they grew their skills in baseball, hockey and softball. Woven into the years of raising children was his career. Jack began at AbsolutAire in October of 1992. His goal was to work in every production area of the company so he would have a good understanding of what was required from each department. Jack approached his assignments with positivity and excellence; he never stopped short of his constant pursuit of perfection. Most recently, he was leading the company's information technology (IT) team, drawing on his computer science expertise. His life was cut short; there is no other way to describe it. Jack was facing several health challenges, including multiple myeloma and heart valve issues, and his body just could not go on. His family will forever feel his absence. He is survived by his wife, Michelle, and his children: Jack, Rachel and Sarah; his mother Miki and dad Jack; siblings Andrea and Adam; brothers-in-law Elgin and Tony and many extended family members. At Jack's request, cremation has taken place and a private family memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the American Cancer Society (https://donate3.cancer.org/) (for Multiple Myeloma research) or the Kalamazoo Humane Society (https://www.kazoohumane.org/). Arrangements were made by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel. Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of Jack may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.