Peter Andrew Budge

Peter (Pete) Andrew Budge, 86, died peacefully on January 13th, 2026, in Edina, Minnesota. He was born on August 15th, 1939, in Bemidji, MN.

Pete had many physical challenges that he had to face throughout his life. However, the many ailments never affected his grace or the love he showed. He had a very dry and wry sense of humor until the day he passed. Pete was afflicted with polio at the age of 13. The disease's effects and other health hurdles, did not affect him mentally or his fabulous disposition.

He graduated from Bemidji High School in 1957. He then graduated from Dunwoody Institute in 1961. He initially worked for Hauenstein & Burmeister in Minneapolis. He was elected as the Carpenter's Union Business Agent in 1975. He held that position until he retired in 2002. His work within the Twin Cities Building Trades was of great importance to him.

He married the love of his life, Mary Francis Gravel, on August 10th, 1963. They were married for 60 years until Mary's death in 2024.

Pete loved hunting and fishing with friends throughout his life. From his youth up in northwest Minnesota to fishing for lake trout and walleye in Canada, he excelled and was an avid fisherman. He was also a gifted hunter. His patience, intelligence, and skills were outstanding, whether bagging a buck, going for ducks and geese, or taking down a turkey.

He also loved to cook for his family and friends. He was an incredible chef. However, he bristled at being called a chef. "I'm a cook!", he insisted. He enjoyed serving the fish and game he caught. He and Mary entertained their family, friends and colleagues. He was famous for the spaghetti dinners he hosted. His garlic bread was a particular favorite.

Pete enjoyed a good game of cribbage, or a competitive game of bridge. He also served as the Resident Advisory Council President in his building assisting others, as he did often and selflessly throughout his life.

Preceded in death by his parents, William Charles (Chuck) and Marion, his beloved wife Mary and brother William (Bill). Survived by his daughter and great caregiver, Kirsten Strobel, of Edina, son David (Tami) of Eagan, the light and sparkle of his life, granddaughter, Taylor (Matt Brown) of East Grand Forks, brothers Michael (Chris), and Tom (Amy), sisters-in-law, Maria Gravel, Nina Gravel, Sharon Davidson, Eileen Karnoff, and Myong Cha Budge, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Pete's life will be held on Tuesday, January 27th at 11:00am at Dawn Valley Memorial Chapel, 9940 Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN, 55438. Visitation begins at 10:00am. A luncheon will be served immediately following the celebration.

The service will be livestreamed at: washburn-mcreavy.com. Seach for Peter Budge obituary and click on the photo/video tab to sign in.

Washburn-McReavy Dawn Valley Chapel 952-941-7686