Stephen Budge

Stephen Michael Budge of North Oaks, Minnesota passed away (or kicked the bucket as he would say) on August 30, 2025 at the age of 73. Steve lived life to the fullest despite multiple health issues, including interstitial lung disease which took us from him far too soon. Steve and the love of his life and best friend Mary (Kennedy), celebrated 45 years of marriage together and raised three beautiful daughters, Stephanie, Liane (David Safar) and Colleen which in turn brought four outstanding, funny and smart grandchildren (Lucy George, Ed and Ansel Nelson and Audrey Safar).

Born in 1952, Steve grew up in St. Paul on Lincoln Avenue (St. Luke's parish) with his six siblings, Tim (Kathy, Mary's sister), Jay (Kathy), Will, Molly (Peter Liberko), Rick (Cathi) and David (Anne, also Mary's sister). Steve was a 1970 Cretin High School graduate. Steve and Mary famously met and fell in love at his brother's Tim's wedding to Mary's sister Kathy. Quickly following suit, Steve and Mary married in 1980. Steve, who was always ahead of his time, became a stay-at-home dad and raised three incredibly strong, funny and smart daughters, as well as encouraged Mary to attend law school and proudly cheered and celebrated all of her professional successes. Steve's true talent was as an artist and sculptor - creating many beautiful sculptures over the years. His most recent work in progress, a full-size raven, will sadly now forever remain unfinished.

Steve also developed a love of motorcycles and designed a custom bike, that was truly a work of art. After motorcycles, Steve turned his attention to restoring a 1941 Studebaker, which is quite exceptional and extremely fast.

As his health worsened, he always remained in good humor, never giving up the fight until the very end. He will be greatly missed by all of those that knew him, but most especially his loving wife, Mary.

Much gratitude and love to his many caregivers at Brighton Hospice, Alliana Health and M Health Fairview, including the palliative care staff and social workers at St. John's hospital who made it possible for Steve to pass peacefully at home with Mary and their dog, Louie, by his side.

Never one to be conventional, Steve's Celebration of Life will be held outdoors on September 20, 2025, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Vadnais-Sucker Lakes Regional Park, Shelter 1 (located off Rice Street and Highway 96, enter the park from Rice Street and follow the road to the right).