Gloria Jean Budd, 80, of Rochester, Minnesota, and formerly of Winona, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in her sleep Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, at Cottagewood Senior Community in Rochester, surrounded by family.
She was born July 24, 1946, in Shawano to LaVerna Koehler and Clarence Grabowski. She graduated from Milwaukee High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Winona State University.
Throughout her life, she applied her talents and care across a diverse and fulfilling professional path, working as a nurse, a teacher’s aide, an income tax preparer as well as in retail sales.
On Oct. 25, 1975, she married her beloved husband, Don Budd, in Belton, Missouri. Together, they built a life filled with family, faith and adventure, living in Sargeant, Minnesota; Harmony, Minnesota; Brainerd, Minnesota; and Appleton before settling in Winona in 2002. Don preceded her in death on Oct. 18, 2022.
Deeply committed to her faith and churches, she was heavily involved with the many churches where her husband Don served as pastor. She was a former member of Peace United Methodist Church in Winona. Her love for music was a defining thread throughout her life. She shared her musical gifts generously, playing the organ and piano on Sundays, playing the violin and performing in orchestras for local community musicals and school plays.
Exceptionally creative, she was well known for joyfully inventing new lyrics to songs. She also found peace and happiness in reading, sewing, needlework and fishing alongside her husband, and her ever-present laughter will be deeply missed.
Above all, she cherished her family. She cared deeply for her grandchildren and faithfully showed up for them in every way she could, right up until she was no longer able.
She was preceded in death by her parents, LaVerna Koehler and Clarence Grabowski, and her beloved husband, Don.
She is survived by her two children, Renae (Sam) and Jon (Megan); and her grandchildren, Jacob, Michael, Abigail and Emily.
Committal prayers were held on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, at the Minnesota State Veteran Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota, where interment followed.
Services entrusted to Fawcett Junker Funeral Home and Crematory, Winona, Minnesota.
www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com
