Joseph Charles Budenbender

November 4, 1957 - March 16, 2025

Shawnee, Kansas - With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Joseph Charles "Budda" Budenbender, a devoted husband, father, brother, and Pappa Joe. He died of cardiac arrest on March 16, 2025. Before his passing he was surround by family and friends all sharing wonderful stories of his life; during his last hours of life, he was held by his wife and children.

He was born in Manhattan Kansas to Bernard and Marie Budenbender on November 4, 1957. Joe attended Holy Trinity Catholic Grade school and St. Joseph High School. During Joe's college years he played football at Washburn University and he graduated from The University of Kansas with a bachelor's degree in public administration.

Joe was a remarkable man, if he loved you, you knew it through his words and his actions. He would have done anything for anyone. He was selfless, kindhearted and a gentle soul. He was dedicated to his marriage, family and relationships. He could carry on endless conversations with complete strangers. He had a remarkable quick-witted sense of humor, a brilliant mind, a lust for knowledge and was the ultimate handyman.

He taught life skills and spent countless hours on the phone, instructing those in need of his ability to fix anything. He was best known as "Budda" a nickname given in high school by Coach Mirocke. He was a legend with his own chant "Go-Ba-Budda, Go-Go-Ba-Budda-bender." He also enjoyed a competitive game of Pitch and was a lifelong fan of the Chiefs and KU basketball. He had a strong faith and devoted an hour of prayer to the Adoration Chapel for over 20 years.

Joseph was preceded in death by his father, Bernard Budenbender (1979) and his mother, Marie Budenbender (2010). He is survived by his wife; Grace Budenbender and their children; Bernard James Budenbender (Leah), Nevyanne Marie Budenbender, Beau Joseph Budenbender (Samantha). His brothers and sisters; Michael Budenbender (Deborah), Paul Budenbender (Pam), Ruby Lane (Glenn), Patrick Budenbender (Johnica), and Debbie Blattman (Doug). He is also survived by his 6 grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Midwest Transplant Network donation website and St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Visitation and Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shawnee, Kansas. With a rosery (9:45 a.m.), visitation (10:00 a.m.) and mass (11:20 a.m.) and lunch to follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall. A Burial will follow on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Blaine, Kansas.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kansas City Star from Mar. 23 to Mar. 29, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Budenbender

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8 Entries

Ed and Carol Zarda

April 3, 2025

To Mike, Debbie and Joe´s family. We are so sorry to learn of Joe´s death. May he test in eternal peace.

Jenifer Borders Lefort

March 25, 2025

Hugs and prayers for you Grace, and your family.

Julie Garrett

March 25, 2025

Dear Grace and family, my condolences to you all. I have been thinking of you all since the news of Joe´s hospitalization and subsequent passing became news.
Good memories from high school are remembered, especially the wrestling Budda chant. God Bless all of you.

Bob Darby

March 24, 2025

My relationship with Joe started off as a teacher to student and a coach to a player . It lasted 50 years . Joe was one of my most treasured student athletes that I had the pleasure of both teaching in the classroom and coaching on the field . A couple years after Joe graduated from Saint Joe he went to work for us as a painter . Working for the Darby painting company . You see as a teacher/coach you always needed a summer job . And my brother Mike ( owner of Coachs Bar and Grill) and I had been painting together since I was in Highschool . We always had students and or athletes that needed some cash in the summer time . When Joe approached us about working in the summer time for us . We said yes . And the race was on . Never , I mean never was there a dull moment. It was a blast working along side my brother Mike and soon to be my good friend in Joe . I don´t have enough space to tell you how many times that we couldn´t stop laughing about the situation and the comedy that we found ourselves in . Joe was not only a great worker but a joy to be around . Always upbeat out going and most days on time .And a attitude that made you want to be around him . Joe and I lost my brother Mike 7 years ago . When he was murder walking his dogs on the trail behind Coachs . Joe called me later that day and we just talked about Mike and all of the good times that the three of us had together. He was so compassionate and understanding and comforting. Joe came to Mike´s wake then his funeral . And waited in the back of the church till Mike´s service was over . Which was well over one and a half hours . He wanted to make sure that he was there for me . He grab me held me and told me how sorry he was for my loss . Then we just cried . He somehow knew how much my heart was broken. My heart is broken again today . Because my friend, my dear friend has left us . I know how sick Joe has been . But somehow I just thought he would still be here today . It´s hard to say goodbye to someone you love . And I loved Joe . God Speed my Friend .

Sherri Taschler Donaldson

March 24, 2025

Joe was a a gentle giant and his kindness was felt by all who were lucky enough to know him. Thanks for all the wonderful high school memories Budda.
Sherri Taschler Donaldson

Sara (Beaver) Del Nero

March 24, 2025

I never knew I liked wrestling until I experienced the St. Joe gym rocking to the Budenbender chant. It was our personal Olympics in Shawnee, Kansas. What fond memories of a local legend.

Matt Cahill

March 24, 2025

I was sorry to hear of Joe´s passing from afar from close friends. Budda was a fierce competitor on the field and mat, and a kind and gentle man off. He was beloved and will be missed by everybody who knew him. My condolences to the family especially his sweet wife Grace and my old teammates Mike and Paul. RIP Budda

Brian McAnany

March 23, 2025

The world just dimmed a bit. Budda was larger than life and was always smiling. Always interested in what others had going on. God speed Joe. Put in a good word for me please. Prayers for the family.

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