Kurt Budke

Kurt Budke

Kurt Budke Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 18, 2011.
Oklahoma State University women's basketball coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna were killed when the single-engine plane they were riding in during a recruiting trip crashed in steep terrain in central Arkansas, the university confirmed Friday morning.

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January 3, 2017

Price Lister posted to the memorial.

April 27, 2013

Mark Chaput posted to the memorial.

April 27, 2013

Mark Chaput posted to the memorial.

194 Entries

Price Lister

January 3, 2017

Baskeeeeet Budkeeee! ...from the mouth of PA announcer and Dean at Barton County Community Colllege, Pat McAtee. I'll never forget it.

Mark Chaput

April 27, 2013

Today I became a grandpa I so wish you could have seen her. She is so perfect and beautiful. Watch over her from heaven above. I love ya brother.
Marky

Mark Chaput

April 27, 2013

Today I became a grandpa buddy. I so wish you could have been here to see her and share in my moment she is so beautiful. Watch over her from above. Love ya brother.
Marky

Marky

September 29, 2012

It's been almost a year now since God called you home. Yet the sting of you leaving is present with me everyday. Your spirit is still alive with me and ever present as the day you left guiding me on my journey. You were my best friend, and now you're my gaurdian angel. Love ya bro.

December 7, 2011

Longhorn fans sending our thoughts and prayers!

Kenya Landers

December 7, 2011

Coach Budke, its taken me a while to write this entry because I have had a hard time facing the fact that you are no longer with us! I am so sad...Gone far too soon...You had so much more to do with your life. So many people to touch and so many more games to coach. But God was ready for you. He called his angel home to be with him. I bet you got HUGE wings! Please know I love you and I think about you everyday! I am bustin my butt everyday to make you proud! Love you!

November 26, 2011

I love you coach Budke. You taught me so much at camp. I promise I will play for OSU and achieve my goals and I know you will be beside me the whole way. My heart goes out to your family. I will always remember you.

Benny Rogers

November 25, 2011

My friend, we hugged when we parted last month, agreeing we needed to talk a lot more because we were both getting older. Now, I will grow old without you, but I will never forget you and the great times we shared and memories we made. Enjoy your eternal reward for the lives you touched and changed.

Barb Daniels-Taylor

November 23, 2011

Shelley,
Just know that I am thinking of you all the time and praying for you and your children.

Linda Steele Thom

November 23, 2011

I attended Washburn University with Kurt in the early 80's, and watched him play basketball many times. He was such a talented, strong player--a real class act! R.I.P. #40

BRENDA STRINGFELLOW

November 22, 2011

I'M A BIG BASKETBALL FAN!!! I'VE NEVER MET COACH BUDKE BUT I FELT LIKE I KNEW HIM BECAUSE I FOLLOWED OSU ON TV, MY HEART IS HEAVY CUZ HE WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITE COACHES FOR SOME REASON, I'M GONNA MISS SEEING HIM ON THE SIDELINES BUT I THANK HIM FOR THE MEMORIES HE LEFT WITH ME, MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILIES AND MAY GOD SEE YOU THROUGH THIS...RIP...BRENDA STRINGFELLOW

Charles Mancil

November 22, 2011

"Life is no brief candle for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations." -- George Bernard Shaw

Dana Reece

November 21, 2011

Stillwater won't be the same with you, and that orange blazer! May God Bless You!

Linda Daniel

November 21, 2011

Coach Budke and Miranda were two of the finest people I have ever known. My thoughts and prayers go to both families at this very difficult time. They will never be forgotten.

Kyle Lucas

November 21, 2011

I remember riding an elevator with Budke in his 2nd year. I asked what he thought, and he said that they (the program) were headed in the right direction. I also got to work with his youngest, Brett, at the Jr. High. I could see the passion for life instilled by Coach in his families lives. He will always be remembered. Thoughts and Prayers to the Budke family and friends.

Dawn Harmon

November 21, 2011

Time has a way of removing people from our paths, but not from our hearts and memories. The world is a little dimmer without Kurt. May peace find his family and friends.

Dennis Nolley

November 21, 2011

Coach Budke was one of those rare individuals who leaves a lasting impression on those around him. May God bless his family and comfort them during this period and always.

Mary Ellen Leicht

November 21, 2011

On behalf of the entire two-year college community, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Kurt and Miranda. May those whose hearts and lives they have touched go forward to touch the hearts and lives of others.

wanda mayes

November 21, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Nancy Long

November 21, 2011

I doubt that he would have recognized me, but we all knew and respected him. He was a wonderful role model for Miranda Serna (who did work for me and I thought the world of her). Sad condolences to both their families.

Dorothy Houston

November 21, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with your families and friends. You will always be remembered.

Robby Robertson

November 21, 2011

I enjoyed knowing him like a brother. Kurt always had a smile on his face and the pictures and memories I have with him will never be forgotten.

Jeff Spaulding

November 21, 2011

My family's prayers are with the families of the victims. God bless you guys.

Jane

November 21, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with the Budke family. When I heard the news, I just couldn't believe such a fine man and coach had been taken from us so soon. You will be forever on my thougts.

Byron McGilvray

November 21, 2011

When we lose someone like Kurt, we are all diminished a little. He was... and will continue to be an example of honor, integrity, caring, and compassion. He will be missed, but his immortality will live on through the influence of those of us he influenced. Byron McGilvray

Diane Milner

November 21, 2011

Kurt was a former colleague, and was always so nice to everyone. My heart is saddened by this tragedy. He taught my daughter how to play some tough basketball, in his summer camps here at TVCC. He was such an inspiration, both on and off the court. Know that he already has a top-notch team formed in Heaven. May you find peace and strength in these coming days.

dan youngman

November 21, 2011

Kurt was not only a great father, husband and friend but a wonderful human being. his love of family and the players he coached was very special. he will be missed by everyone that knew him.

November 21, 2011

Shelly....

Our hearts just broke when we heard the news....please know that you, the children and Kurt's Mom and Dad are in our thoughts and most certainly our prayers at this time...

We love ya'll....

Coach Leon Spencer & Mary Ensign

Ed and Donnie Sue Govett

November 21, 2011

I happended to see Coach Budke at a homecoming walkaround few years ago. I stopped to say thank you and shake his hand. I was going to move on as to let him have time with his family but instead he took time to ask about me, when I went to school, etc. I walked away thinking we were so lucky to have a man such as that for our coach. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family.

November 21, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with Shelley, Sara, Alex, Brett, and the entire OSU Family.
Rob, Mary, and Tripp Shuey
Dakota Dunes, SD

Kelly Porter

November 21, 2011

I met Coach Budke at a tournament in Hawaii several years ago. Being the only orange in the crowd coach noticed my family and me and invited us to the floor before and after the game. He allowed my daughters to meet the team, who autographed their T-shirts. He then told us guest tickets would be waiting for us at will call for the game the following day. He was a humble and generous man, even to a bunch of orange-clad strangers half-way around the world. We will miss you coach.

Mike Fitts

November 20, 2011

Thank you to the Budke family for sharing Coach Budke with the state of Oklahoma for what seems a very brief time. Billy Graham said that a coach will influence more people in a season than most people will in a lifetime. We praise God for Coach's influence and our prayers are with your family

Malynn Finan Gasswint

November 20, 2011

My heart breaks for Kurt's family and the OSU family. I went to High School with him and saw him at a HS basketball game several years ago and visited with him. Such a nice guy. I will be praying for him and his family that the Lord will watch over them in this difficult time.

November 20, 2011

To Shelley, Sara, Alex, and Brett, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time and will continue to be with you always.
Debbie and Billy Abrahm and Family
Ruston, Louisiana

Justin McEntire

November 20, 2011

Thoughts and Prayers with the Budke family. As a Oklahoma State fan coach Budke made me a OSU womens basketball fan! He will be missed.

Pauline Herrera

November 20, 2011

Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Budke family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this very tragic and difficult time. May you find comfort in the beautiful memories you shared with your loved one. Our hearts are shattered in the loss of two beautiful souls we lost, our lives will forever be changed. Love and prayers Francisco and Pauline Herrera

Pauline Herrera

November 20, 2011

To the Budke family please accept our deepest and most heartfelt condolences in the loss of your loved one. May God bless and comfort you in this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your family. May God grant you comfort in the wonderful memories you shared. Miranda's Uncle Francisco and Pauline Herrera

Julie Ray

November 19, 2011

Losing four beautiful, outstanding, and caring individuals and leaders who dedicated their lives to motivating and assisting others to reach their potential is heartbreaking beyond words. To those families of this tragedy who have lost so much, I pray that God wrap you in his omnipotent arms and give you peace, strength and love. May God bless you and keep you as you begin your difficult road of healing from the suffocating pain of your loss. Your community far and wide stand strong behind you with love and support.

Barbara Clock

November 19, 2011

My prayers and thoughts are with Coach Budke's family and all those that loss their life on that day that God called them home. May you find comfort knowing Jesus is just a pray away and many prayers are being said this very moment. We will miss a great man that touched so many people. May the Lord watch over and comfort this family. God Bless you.

Mandy Rogers

November 19, 2011

Coach Budke, I will miss you and your basketball mind! Thank you for everything you have done for me and for the friendship you shared with my brother. I love you! RIP

Patty Dick

November 19, 2011

I am so proud to have known Kurt as a student and basketball player and grad assistant at Washburn. He was a super coach and a great man. May God bless Shelly and family.
Patty Dick, Washburn Womens BB-77'-00'.

Renee Temple

November 19, 2011

On behalf of the Glendale Lady Falcon Basketball team we want to say that we are so sorry to hear of this tragedy. Coach Budke was such an encouragement to our team and our lives have been blessed to have spent time with him and attend the OSU team camps. We love you, Coach Budke.

Dave Rineberg

November 19, 2011

I'm so sorry to hear of coach Budke's death. He was my coach when I played at Friends University in Wichita KS, which was his first coaching job I believe. He was such a great coach but even more important to us young men he was a great man. He made me a better basketball player back then but it was his kind-hearted, honest, trusting character that influenced us all and because of him I am a better person today. He will be greatly missed!
To Shelley, I'm so sorry. My prayers for you and your family.

Lonnie, Marsha &Chad Tormey

November 19, 2011

Our thoughts and prayer are with you all!

Rod Pretzer

November 19, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with your the Budke family, being a native of Council Grove and seeing him in action both at Sacred Heart and then at Washburn was so special. In the last 3 years we were honored to go to the Tounament in Kansas City and what a friend he was to our family as he knew where we sat each game and would wave and and smile to our family as he was both entering and leaving the court. The love he showed the girls on the court was unspeakable game after game and we will never forget the bright orange coat. Rest in peace COACH!!! and thanks for being part of the lives of so many people lives and the memories of so many more for the years to come.

Jennifer Hopkins Moore

November 19, 2011

My thoughts and prayers to the Budke and Serna and OSU families on your loss. Everyone that ever knew Kurt feels your sorrow. Womens Basketball has lost a great advocate. It is at these times that our strength comes from the family and friends we hold dear. I pray for Gods comfort for all of you!

Quartica Johnson

November 19, 2011

My thoughts and prayers will be with your family!! You are the true definition of a great person! May you R.I.P.

Laura Walker-Holmes

November 19, 2011

This is such a tragic loss! I've known Kurt and Miranda both for over 20 years and I'm just stunned that this has occurred! There are no words to say, they will be greatly missed and never forgotten!

Dorinda Williams

November 19, 2011

May God comfort you at this time. He will definitely be missed. We all hurt when we loose one of our OSU family members.

Rochelle White

November 19, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the crash victims. May we all know that life is short and to live life to the fullest, as you know not when God will call you home. May God comfort you and keep you in his loving arms.

Janice and Robert Neese

November 19, 2011

In times such as these, it is only God that can see you through. May you look to him, seek his face as he wraps his arms around you to comfort you. Praying for your family as well as the student body.

Greg Strecker

November 19, 2011

My thoughts and prayers go out to Kurt's family. May God comfort you.

Cindy Glasco

November 19, 2011

From our family to the Budke and Serna families our thoughts and prayers are with you. Also, to the entire OSU family we send our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless You all.

Ken Petta

November 19, 2011

We are deeply saddened by the news of this tragedy. We are
Praying for the Budke family and the entire university community.
May the good Lord comfort all. Ken Petta, troup, tx

Butch and Margie Meibergen

November 19, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most sorrowful time. May god continue to guide and comfort you. Words cannot express our condolences for your family.
Love and prayers,
The Butch Meibergens

Twilla and Randy Choat

November 19, 2011

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

November 19, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Bill and Vicki Shrum

November 19, 2011

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Anna Ward

November 19, 2011

Another loss in the OSU Family, Kurt Budke was an outstanding coach and person, may he rest in peace, may the OSU family stay strong once again in this time of loss, you will be forever missed and but never forgotten. Cowboy Strong Orange Power.

Sarah Sloan

November 19, 2011

Praying for the Budke family. The OSU family holds you in our hearts and thoughts. God bless you and keep you in the shelter of His wing.

Brad Wagner

November 19, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with Coach Budke's family and the entire OSU community. May his memory be a blessing.

Tad thompson

November 18, 2011

Thoughts and Prayers for the victims families and the entire Cowboy family Stay Strong.... The Sooner Nation

November 18, 2011

In the face of something like this, rivalries fade away and don't mean much. OU fan here, but Coach Budke was always a class act. My deepest sympathies to his family and to OSU. I hope you can find a way to stay strong during this difficult time.

Harry Sophman

November 18, 2011

One of those things, words will not work. Peace be with all...

Robert Smart

November 18, 2011

Today I am not just a Sooner, but a native Oklahoman. We have a great tradition of helping and supporting our neighbors. God bless those that were lost, their families, and the OSU family.

Anne Roesner Heitmann

November 18, 2011

Love and prayers to the Budke family. My heart aches for your loss.

Phil Matousek

November 18, 2011

Even though this candle burns, it will never replace the light that Coach Budke brought into our lives. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family, team, friends and all the live you have touched.
Thank you
COACH

Richard Smith

November 18, 2011

May God grant the Budke family and friends, including the team, grace and peace.

Robin

November 18, 2011

My prayers to coach Budke's family and to his team. May you all find peace and strength with eachother. God bless.

Keith Hargis

November 18, 2011

My prayers go out to the Budke family, the Osu family and everyone associated with this situation. I was so excited when I heard Kurt Budke ,was going to be our new head basketball coach. I knew he would make us a good,competitive team which he did.. RIP Coach Budke!!! We Love you,and you will be missed!!!

Rev. Larry Langer ('74)

November 18, 2011

Lord, sustain the Budke and OSU family though this time of great lose and grief. Give them special strength. Thank you, Kurt for a great job.

sue godwin

November 18, 2011

seem like we lost a great angel but To OSU family we are with you in pray- we might be riverly in sport but still your Oklahoman and Oklahoma has always been there for each others---Psalms:121

Linda Holmes

November 18, 2011

I am so sorry for the loss of the Coaches and the other two people that were on the plane. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends, the OSU Womens Basketball Team and former players, and to Oklahoma State University! This is so sad, and we hurt with you! God Bless You!

Suzanne Long

November 18, 2011

Dear Budke Family,
My prayers go out to you all. Coach Budke and Coach Serna came into Perkins Restaurant regularly with the team as well as recruits over the past six years. Both always had a smile and kind words for all of us. May God give you peace in this very, very sad time.

Marsha Chapman

November 18, 2011

My heart goes out to the entire Budke family and friends, may you find solace through the prayers and thoughts of others. May you find comfort in God's blessings.....

Renee Risinger

November 18, 2011

I was shocked this morning to learn of the loss of Kurt and Meranda. My heart and prayers go out to Shelley and the kids and to Merandas family. Both will be greatly missed.

Rafael Rodriguez

November 18, 2011

My prayers go out to the Budke family, all the girls on the basketball team, and all those who knew Mr. Budke and were close to him. We're a family here in Stillwater and one day we'll all get through this together. May Mr. Kurt Budke rest in peace and find glory in God's kingdom.

Sarah Cross

November 18, 2011

RIP Coach. We're keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort them during this difficult time.

Doug Branstetter

November 18, 2011

Deeply saddened by the loss of fellow OSU family member Kurt Budke. May you rest in peace and may God's grace give your family comfort during this time.

Randell Turner

November 18, 2011

Thanks so much for all you did for OSU and may God provide direction, peace and comfort to your family as they continue their journey without you!

Julie Moore

November 18, 2011

Praying for God's comforting embrace for all my OSU friends and especially to the families of those who now walk the streets of gold in heaven.

John Merritt

November 18, 2011

Words can't express the pain and heartbreak I fell for the family. Kurt was a tremendous family man and a good friend. All our prayers are with the family. We just exchanged text a couple weeks ago. Rest in peace my friend.

John Jackson

November 18, 2011

Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Scott Albertson

November 18, 2011

God rest you, Coach, and may he strengthen your family.

Marc Wilson

November 18, 2011

On behalf of the Texas Panhandle Alumni Chapter we share your sorrow for our families loss and pray for healing for all of our OSU family.

November 18, 2011

When Coach was a player at Barton County, we "adopted" him for occasional weekend meals and Monday night football games. With pride, we have followed his progress throughout his journey in basketball and life. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with your family and the OSU community. Bob and Sharon Engle & family. Great Bend, KS.

Carter Coggburn

November 18, 2011

The Sooner Nation joins in the terrible sadness and grief in the loss of Coach Budke and Serna.

Steve & Faye Curry

November 18, 2011

May our heavenly Father embrace the Budke family with understanding, peace, hope, and love in the loss of Coach Budke. Our prayers are with you during this grievous time.

Mark Connolly

November 18, 2011

As a former OSU basketball player I am looking forward to coming back to Stilly on 12/3. I pray that Coach is looking down on us as well as asst. Coach too. Twice in ten years is too much please.

Angela C

November 18, 2011

Prayers go out to your family, players and colleagues at this tragic time. I hope you find strength from the love of the people of this state who will join together despite bedlam affilliation in keeping you in our hearts and prayers throughout the holiday season. God Bless!

November 18, 2011

You are in our thoughts and prayers. Its amazing how many people Coach Budke touched in his short time here at OSU, and how many great memories we have to thank him for. Truely a horrible loss.

Walthall Family
OSU Alums

Bren Porter

November 18, 2011

Thoughts & prayers go out to all the families as well as the OSU family as a whole.

November 18, 2011

We are praying for all the family and friends. Rob Howard and family, Rowlett, Texas

November 18, 2011

My family is so sorry for your loss. Prayers will be with you

Craig Box

November 18, 2011

Condolences from the Box family, Craig, Gail, Courtney and Whitney, parents and sisters of Austin. Our prayers are with you.

November 18, 2011

I am a Sooner born and I am sadden about the death of Coach Budke and Serna. OSU has gone through too much tragedy. I will miss seeing Budke and Serna when they come to Norman. May God look after their families.

Edward Bradley

November 18, 2011

Comfort and strength through God's love. Prayers for the Budke family. Sorry for your loss.

Carolyn

November 18, 2011

Thoughts and prayers go out to the Budke family. May you find comfort in the loving arms God. God Bless You All.

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January 3, 2017

Price Lister posted to the memorial.

April 27, 2013

Mark Chaput posted to the memorial.

April 27, 2013

Mark Chaput posted to the memorial.