Herbert B. (HUCK) Budde was known by many around town as an exceptional athlete. Graduating from St. Xavier High School in 1949, the "all-everything prepster" ran track, and lettered in baseball, football (All-City) and basketball (All-City /Honorary Captain). He went on to be an outstanding basketball player at Xavier University as a battling forward in the early 1950's finishing his career as the 2nd all-time leading scorer in Xavier history with 1, 096 points. When he was inducted into the X.U. Hall of Fame in 1986, it "was a moment of great pride for him" said his son, Bob Budde, of West Chester. "When we were kids, he spoke so fondly of his Xavier days and took us as often as he could to basketball games at the Schmidt Fieldhouse." But, there was a much deeper, spiritual side to him than just athletics. His family, neighbors, and friends knew him as a man of great faith who put his family first throughout his life. Born in Ft. Thomas during the depression, he learned the value of hard work with his brother and four sisters on the family farm. When his mother was widowed during his freshman year at Xavier, Huck began working multiple jobs when he wasn't playing basketball to help make ends meet. He married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Kramer Budde, and together they raised 6 children. "His Catholic faith was so important to him and he sacrificed so much to ensure that he could send us all to Catholic schools," said his daughter Barbara Sheets of Liberty Township. "He never ever put himself first." Though, at times, he faced significant adversities, "Our dad was the eternal optimist always." During the last 8 years of her life, Huck spent his days caring for his wife of 48 years. "He was so loving and kind to her. He never complained and when he could no longer care for her, he religiously drove twice daily to the nursing home to be with her, feed her, and quickly befriended the patients and staff. Dad's health was in decline but he was so devoted to my mom and became so attached to the residents, it became his mission." Suffering from multiple illnesses too, he often infused humor into his circumstances. He brought laughter, love, and compassion to everyone he touched. As his niece, Terri DuVal Riffle, said upon learning the news, "Uncle Huck was also such a positive influence. No one has a better outlook on life than he did." Huck Budde passed away on April 24 with his children by his side. He is survived by his brother Paul (Gerry), Traverse City, MI; and sisters, Jean (Bob) Staubach, Naples, FL; Sister Mary Laurence Budde, SND, Covington; and Maizie Fagin, Mason. His daughters Marianne Wilensky of Ocean Township; N.J., Joan Woodward of Loveland; Barbara (Ted) Sheets of Liberty Township; Beth (Greg) Pitner of Kenwood, and his sons Bob Budde of West Chester and Tom Budde of Goshen. Also, the grandfather of 17; Benjamin, Joseph and Daniel Wilensky, Jessica and Emily Woodward, Katie, Nicole, Tori and Tyler Budde, Ted, Ryan, Logan and Trevor Sheets, Hilary and Abigail Pitner, and Meredith and Andy Budde, and great-grandfather of Evan Devulious, also survived by many nieces and nephews. Visitation is at Gilligan Funeral Home, Montgomery at Galbraith, on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial is at All Saints Church, on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the "All for One Club" or "Campaign for Xavier;" 3800 Victory Parkway; Cincinnati, OH 45207.

Service

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Gilligan Funeral Home 3734 Eastern Avenue Cincinnati 45226, United States

Service

Thursday, April 30, 2009 10:30 AM All Saints Catholic Church 8939 Montgomery Road Cincinnati 45236, United States