William “Bill” John Budensiek, a respected member of the Goodhue community, passed away on October 18, 2025, at the age of 91. He died peacefully at Goodhue Senior Living, where he had been an active resident. Bill was born on March 7, 1934, in Red Wing, Minnesota, to Roy and Edna Budensiek. He spent his formative years in Zumbrota and graduated from Zumbrota High School.
After completing high school, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He served as a Staff Sergeant from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1956. It was during his military service that he met his future wife, Socorro Pacheco, and they married on November 30, 1955. Together, they raised three children and built a life dedicated to family and community.
Bill’s professional career began at IBM, where he worked from 1956 to 1971. Following his time at IBM, he transitioned to full-time farming and also worked for Golden Harvest Seed. His commitment to agriculture and community service defined his professional life.
Throughout his years, Bill remained an active community member. He served on the Minneola Town Board for an impressive 43 years, holding the position of Board Supervisor. His dedication extended to the Stary-Yerka VFW Post 5727 in Zumbrota, where he served as a long-time trustee. Bill was passionate about the outdoors, engaging in activities such as hunting and fishing, and he contributed to various conservation organizations, including Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever.
A Legacy of Family and Community Involvement
Bill was a lifelong member of the Congregational Church in Zumbrota until its closure, after which he joined St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Goodhue. His move to Goodhue Senior Living did not diminish his community spirit; he quickly became involved in various activities and groups there.
Family was at the heart of Bill’s life. He cherished time spent with his loved ones and was particularly proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He participated in a coffee club at the VFW, where friends gathered every morning, and enjoyed lively Hucklebuck parties that could last all night. His generosity and willingness to help others were qualities that endeared him to many.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Cristal LaCanne of Zumbrota; his niece, Leslie Luhman, whom he loved like a daughter; and his son, Art Pacheco (Deb) of Lake City, Florida. He leaves behind six grandchildren—Jorge (Kate) Bremer, Christina Pacheco, Ryan (Maranda) Pacheco, Shania (Dillon) Prough, Kenzie (Judd) O’Connor, and Mariah (Cole) Lingbeck—as well as five great-grandchildren: Jack, Logan, Mckinley, William, and Maverick, with one more on the way. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Vivian Budensiek.
Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Socorro; his son, Albert; and siblings Kenneth, Floyd, Lester, Marilyn Tiedemann, and an infant brother, Joyce, along with his parents.
Final Farewell and Community Support
A funeral service will be held on October 27, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Goodhue, officiated by Reverend Eric Hanson. Visitation is scheduled for 1-4 p.m. on October 26, 2025, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel in Zumbrota, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Bill will be laid to rest at the Zumbrota Cemetery.
Family and friends are encouraged to leave online condolences at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com. Bill Budensiek’s legacy of community service and dedication to family will be remembered by all who knew him.