Kay P. Budzien

KAY PATRICIA BUDZIEN (nee ROUTE)

Kay was called home to Heaven on February 16, 2026, surrounded by family. She was 76 years old. She was born to Neal and Patricia (Duncan) Route on August 8, 1949, in Amery, WI, and moved at age 3 with her family to Milwaukee, where she grew up.

Just days after graduating from Pulaski High School in June 1967, Kay began a 40-year career at Northwestern Mutual Life. Starting in the steno pool, she worked her way up to the actuarial department as an administrative assistant.

In May 1968 while spending time with friends, she approached a young man she recognized from PHS and asked for his assistance in extricating her from the unwelcome attention of an overzealous admirer. That young man was David. What began as a simple act of kindness quickly blossomed into a devoted relationship.

In September 1970, Kay and David were united in marriage in a double ceremony, marking the beginning of a life built on love, partnership, faith, and shared memories. Family was everything to Kay, and she couldn’t have been more thrilled or proud to become a mom to sons Brian and Scott.

Her musical gifts ranged from playing piano, flute, piccolo, and guitar, to singing in the church choir and coordinating annual Christmas choir concerts at NML. Her artistic skills included making cards from her colorful paintings and sharing her beautiful calligraphy with others on certificates, invitations, and envelopes.

Kay was deeply devoted to the Lord and to her church community, generously giving of her time and talents in service to numerous committees and church functions. She worked tirelessly behind the scenes, thoughtfully preparing flyers, newsletters, and membership directories, ensuring that the congregation remained informed, cared for, and connected.

Her life embodied the fruit of the Spirit, as she consistently showed love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in her selfless, humble, and compassionate care for those around her. The word “no” did not exist for her; she always put others before herself. Her huge heart and generous spirit extended well beyond family, including the donation of her liver and kidneys to others in need.

Kay will be deeply missed by her beloved family: husband David Budzien; their sons Brian Budzien (wife Heather, son Eli) and Scott Budzien (wife Amanda, kids Landon and Adaline); sister Kathleen Bergant (husband Robert); brother Michael Route (former wife Patricia, kids Brynn and Neal, current wife Leslie); sister Maureen Yunker (husband Joel, sons Jake (son Wyatt) and Kyle); uncle James Route (wife Marlys); and many cousins and friends.

Memorial contributions in Kay’s memory may be made to Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, Cedarburg, WI.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cedarburg, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m.