Robert O. Budd

Robert (Bob) Budd, age 95, of Janesville passed away, surrounded by family, to his heavenly home on Saturday June 6, 2026. He was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years Lois (Dilley), his son Tobey, his parents Charles and Mabel Budd, his sisters Laona (Nelson) and Annabelle (Laurent), his brother Carlton F. Budd, and grandson Elliot Budd.

Bob leaves behind children: Carlton (Kris) Budd of New Berlin, Karen (Erik Luce) McKillips of The Villages FL, Lindsay (Steve) Ganong of Janesville. Over the years Bob’s family had grown to include grandchildren: Erika (Budd) Donaldson of DePere, Chelsea McKillips of Oxford FL, Andrew (Julie) Budd of Pewaukee, Aaron (Joya) Budd of Mukwonago, Travis Budd of Mobile AL, Karlton Budd of Charleston SC, and Lexi Ganong of NYC. Great grandchildren: Henry (Maddie), Louisa, Axel and Harris Donaldson; Brileigh Whigham; Brady and Mason Budd; Addison and Micah Budd; and Kyrie Budd

Robert Budd was born in Waupaca WI, but his elementary school years were lived in Green Bay WI where he enjoyed bicycling all over the city, sneaking into pickle factories, and filling 25 cent bleacher seats as a member of the knothole gang watching Packer games played at old City Stadium field.

His family’s move to Michigan UP was his dream come true. Bob’s high school years at their home in Paulding embraced fishing, hunting, and running a trap line. He was a constant help to his stroke crippled mother, gaining his driver’s license at the age of 14 and becoming her driver while his father was away on trips with the railroad. In-between studies and sports at Ewing high -school and duties at home he had deeply memorable and life-shaping adventures in the north woods with a few close friends.

Enlistment followed graduation. He chose the US Navy because of its sharp uniforms. After bootcamp at Great Lakes he was selected and trained for aviation electrician duties. Serving a squadron of F9F Panther jets, his assignment to the aircraft carrier USS Bonhomme Richard took him off the coast of North Korea during the height of the Korean conflict. He served 8 months within that war zone working the night shift to keep the aircraft ready for duty.

Bob met his future bride Lois Dilley while on leave and the two eventually married and traveled to and lived near his land-based duty at NAS Quonset Point RI. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy the couple returned to Lois’ hometown of Beloit WI where they put down roots in Beloit Township on the west side. Bob’s technical skills and interests led to a career at Beloit Corporation. Technical school accomplishment led to decades as a draftsman, group leader and senior designer providing a comfortable life to his ever-growing family. Coaching, hunting, fishing, remodeling and camping were all part of the experience he provided and shared. He was engaged with his children in their practice, play, studies, and cheered them on as a supportive booster and attentive fan. There was no doubt he was his children’s advocate.

With the later arrival of Lindsay (13 years after Carlton) a move to Janesville ensued and soon became a haven for his now much smaller family. Lois’ death in 1984 brought a new role as Bob became the single father to his 16-year-old daughter. All of Bob’s children achieved success, in career, family, and accomplishment.

Early retirement from Beloit Corporation opened the door to a new adventure as Bob found his dream home on Pioneer Lake near Conover WI. After a few years up north he returned to the Janesville area settling at South River Road on the west side which allowed ready access to the Rock River for many duck hunting mornings upstream from Happy Hollow Park. Robert found a friend and companion in Mary Ellen (Dilley) Kleinsmith, and they had close to a quarter century of friendship together.

At the age of 87 when most are downsizing Bob bought a beautiful home in Garden Village and enjoyed many years there. Health reasons finally separated Bob and Mary and soon he decided to move into a senior living community in Janesville. The years there were blessed with mobility and engagement with his family. Bob was so appreciative of the many trips being transported to Lindsay and Steve’s beautiful lake cabin to help satisfy his continuing deep love of the north woods.

Bob loved this country and continued to proudly serve its citizens and especially veterans during his retirement years by joining many honor squad details with the Janesville VFW Post 1621 providing military honors at parades and veteran’s funerals.

In his last years Bob expressed his concern that he had “lived too long” and was ready to be reunited with his first family members and his son Tobey. There was a tender recent moment when Bob prayed to accept Jesus into his heart. What a blessing to know that as a believer, Robert had arrived at that eternal home he was so ready to enter.

While there will be no service locally the family is anticipating his inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery next year with full military honors. His remains will be placed alongside his beloved wife Lois, near his son Tobey and not far from his brother Carlton. 

A heartfelt thanks is extended to Sarah Pinkston-RN-Interim Healthcare who cared for dad so sweetly for over a year as well as SSM-Hospice-Janesville in his final days. Special thanks are extended to the Newcomer Funeral Home-Green Bay and granddaughter Erika for their care, respect and loving manner assisting the family in arrangements.

Bob was so proud to serve his country, and the family asks that worthy charities such as Wounded Warriors, Tunnels to Towers, or the VFW be considered if a donation in his honor is deemed fitting.