Loren Budahl Obituary

Loren Orville Budahl, 85, passed away peacefully at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD on July 31, 2025. A public visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, at Lake Madison Lutheran Church, rural Rutland, SD. Inurnment will be at a later date at Wood Lake Lutheran Cemetery in Astoria.

Loren was born to Leonard and Ella Budahl of Astoria, SD on October 14, 1939. He attended elementary school in a nearby country school and in Astoria; and high school in Astoria, SD. After graduation he continued to work alongside his father on the family farm and later held various positions in agriculture or retail. Loren enjoyed telling stories about growing up on the farm and in Astoria. He was the youngest of 6 brothers and 2 sisters and kept his connection to Astoria and his childhood friends for his entire life.

He married Deanna Bailey on January 10, 1960, at the United Methodist Church in Gary. Deanna was his one great love, and at the time of her death they had been married for 62 years. Other than his marriage and wife, Loren was most proud of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. In addition, Deanna and Loren loved and cared for almost 200 foster children in either their own home, or as houseparents for many years for The Villages Inc. in Topeka, KS, a non-profit group home started by Dr. Karl Menninger.

Loren loved to create with his own hands; when he was younger, he enjoyed building with or refurbishing wood, and in his later years he took up painting. He often gave away his creations and they are treasured by anyone lucky enough to receive one. He also enjoyed playing bingo, cards, dominoes, baseball or basketball, collecting baseball cards or coins, bird watching, hunting and fishing. He and Deanna enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, with Las Vegas being a favorite destination. He was most happy whenever he was with his family and was quick to offer his help or his wisdom. Loren was always a skilled "fixer of things"; whether it was a broken sink or a broken heart, a struggling engine or a struggling child. His patience, kindness, and compassion for others will be remembered by many.

Loren is survived by his children Deb Blanchette, Diane Friesz, Donna (Jerry) Patterson, Brenda (John) Bridson, Shannon Budahl, and Darcey Nelson; his beloved grandchildren Stacey (Matt), Jeremy (Nicole), Danielle, Corey, Sam (Travis), Brianna, Ashli (Walker), Amanda, Tyler, Chase, Katie, Breydon, Jennifer, and John; his numerous treasured great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; his sisters-in-law Beverly Budahl, Helen Budahl, and Sharon Bailey; and many nieces, nephews and foster children.

He was preceded in death by his wife in 2022; parents; sisters Mavis and Lucille; and brothers Leland, Glenn, Elton, Donnie, and Carol.

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