Rev. William A. Budden

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OREGON – Rev. William A. Budden, 85, of Oregon and formerly of Byron, died Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018 in Serenity Hospice Home, Oregon. Born May 8, 1933 in Galena, the son of John E. and Helen (Weise) Budden.

He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Byron and a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. Father Budden was ordained to the priesthood on May 25, 1968 by Most Reverend Loras Lane at St. James Church, Rockford. He attended Loras College, Dubuque and then St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. He was assigned Parochial Vicar first at SS Peter & Paul Parish in Cary, then St. Joseph Parish, Freeport while in Campus Ministry at Highland Junior College and Shimer College, then again at SS Peter & Paul Parish. Father then became Pastor of St. Ann Parish, Warren followed by St. Joseph Parish, Apple River and St. Mary Parish, Oregon, retiring from active ministry June 16, 2003. Father continued to assist parishes in the Rockford Diocese after retirement. Father Budden traveled extensively worldwide including annual trips to Mexico for the past 50 winters. He loved spending time on the river, cooking and hosting parties.

Survived by his sister, Liz Ney of Peosta, Iowa; brother, Robert (Jeanne) Budden of Aurora, Colo.; 23 nieces and nephews; 51 great nieces and nephews; 31 great-great nieces and nephews; and his adopted family: Father Ron Conroe (deceased) and Gary and Becky Bolthouse.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rosanne (and husband James) Runde; brother, John (and wife Adele) Budden; brother-in-law, Matt Ney; and two nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19 in St. Mary Catholic Church, Byron with the Most Reverend David J. Malloy, Bishop of Rockford, main celebrant, assisted by other priests of the diocese. Visitation was 4-8 p.m. Tuesday in the church with a 7:30 p.m. Scripture Service and from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Wednesday prior to the Mass. Burial was 10 a.m. Thursday in East Dubuque Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Serenity Hospice & Home, Oregon or the William A. Budden Memorial Fund to Serve Migrant Workers in Manzanillo, Mexico. Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.