Stanley "Stash" Budleski

Stanley J. “Stash” Budleski, 78, Weston, died peacefully at home on June 6, 2024 surrounded by his loving “angels.”

Stanley was born August 25, 1945, in Wausau to the late Joseph A. and Irene (Wendler-Letarski) Budleski. On July 12, 1969, he married his sweetie, Connie Omernik at St. Therese Catholic Church, Rothschild.

Stan was an extremely kind, humble man who devoted himself to loving his family. He was everyone’s inspiration and a true hero for us all. To his grandkids, he was Jaja- teaching them everything about baiting a hook, driving the Model-A and all the odds and ends to keeping up with household repairs. A favorite memory is how Jaja could convince us all to swap his almost completely eaten ice cream cone for our just about full ice cream cone. His humor and tricks never failed to keep a smile on all our faces. Playing cards on Wednesday afternoons became a tradition we all cherished and loved. He continued to keep us on our toes as he would find ways to get us to trade hands, and yet still win the game of Rummy. When he wasn’t spending time around the kitchen table with family, he was fishing and hunting on the family  land. Time spent ice-fishing up north at the cottage or hunting at the shack were some of his greatest memories with family and friends.

Stan was a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard for 6 years. After high school, he worked at Kraft foods where he met his beautiful bride. They built and owned Stasuis Beer Bar in Hatley for 8 years. Stan then found his love for construction and was an accomplished and proud builder and developer for 45 years. Stan was a faithful member of St. Agnes Parish for many years and a proud member of the choir. He never missed a practice or gathering, and always loved his choir family!

Survivors include his wife, Connie, two daughters, Mary (Joey) Ninnemann, Wausau, and Kelly Spaay (Kurt Hamann), Hatley; grandchildren, Casey Ninnemann (Aaron Olson), Kyle Ninnemann, Teagan Spaay, Jalen Spaay and Cullen Spaay; great grandchildren, Bradley and Jettson Spaay; two brothers, Rodale (Brenda) Budleski, Hatley and Alan (Judy) Budleski, Stevens Point; one brother-in-law, Laverne Stoltz, Hatley; his high school buddy, Leroy Kostroski.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Darlene Stoltz.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at Noon, Thursday, June 13, 2024, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Weston.  Rev. Jerome Patric will preside.  Visitation will be on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church.  Burial will be in the parish cemetery after services, with a celebration of life to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed to the family, where a memorial in Stan’s name will be established to help fund and support youth hunting and fishing programs in the area.

He loved life and fought a courageous battle. You’re a saint! And now you are our angel! Love you!

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com