Pat Budge

Patrick Kenneth Budge, 83, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, Wednesday January 28, 2026, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Pat was born March 7, 1942, in Grand Forks, ND, the son of Kenneth and Dimpy (Johnson) Budge, and was one of 3 children. Pat was a lifelong resident of Grand Forks, having graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1960, where he was a member of the Cam Rousers. He met and fell in love with his future wife Gayle Grube.

Pat and Gayle were united in marriage on August 3, 1963, in Grand Forks. They welcomed 3 children: Bryan, Janelle and Jeananne. Sadly, Jeananne passed away soon after her birth. Pat and Gayle enjoyed many years of traveling. Their adventures took them to China, Greece, Aruba, Jamaica and Florida to name a few. Pat was a cornerstone of the Grand Forks community, having spent most of his working years at Greenberg Roofing Co., where he would serve as the company's Vice President. Pat also enjoyed his many years of membership for both the Grand Forks Builders & Traders Exchange and Kem Shriners.

Pat spent many of his days at their family lake home on Lake Bemidji, where you could find him working on his never ending projects. He was also an avid antique collector having a story for each treasure he found. Pat was known for his green thumb and could often be found tending to his many plants and flower beds. He was also the official mascot for Papa's Pizza and Wine Club in Bemidji, MN.

Being a lifelong golf enthusiast, he spent much time on the courses with his buddies through the years, perhaps betting on a hole or two. Time spent at the GF Senior Center was dear to him as well; this is where he visited with friends, old and new. He later found special friendship in Diane Helgeson. Together, they shared many adventures through these past years with close family and friends.

Pat held many titles throughout his life, however, the titles he was most proud of was Papa to his grandchildren and Papa Pat to his great-grandchildren. He delighted in spending as much time as he could with them.

Pat is survived by brother, Bruce (Cindy) Budge; sister-n-law, Patty Budge; children, Bryan (DeeDee) Budge; Janelle (Jeff) Hill. Grandchildren, Bryanna (Logan) Reese; Patrick (Taylor) Budge; Lexy Flanagan, Tommy Flanagan, Matthew Flanagan, Zachariah (Bryden) Carlson-Giving; Holly Ann (Sam) Noland; Maison (Bri) Carlson; Zachary Hill and Nathan Hill.

Great-grandchildren Charlie and Marlee Noland; River, Wilder and Lizzy Reese; Ashtyn and Daniella Budge; Maverick Carlson. Special friend Diane Helgeson and her family. Numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in passing by his parents Kenny and Dimpy; daughter Jeananne; wife Gayle; and brother Bill Budge.

Services to remember and celebrate Pat's life will be held Thursday, February 5, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Grand Forks, ND at 11:00am. Visitation with the family will be held an hour prior to services with refreshments to follow. Interment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Forks, ND.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you please consider making a donation to the Grand Forks Senior Center in memory of Pat. Information for making a donation may be found below.

Check by Mail: Grand Forks Senior Center (620 4th Ave S, Grand Forks, ND 58201)