John W. Budworth

LANCASTER - John W. Budworth, age 97 passed away on Friday May 16, 2025, at Park Place Memory Care in Platteville. He was born and raised on the family farm in Beetown Township on October 13, 1927, to the son of George and Elizabeth (Watson) Budworth.

Following his high school graduation, John served his country during World War II, being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1946. He completed basic training at Fort Bragg, NC, and was later stationed at Fort Coronado in San Diego. He received his honorable discharge from Fort Lewis in Tacoma Washington. John was a proud member of American Legion Post #148 in Bloomington.

After completing his military service, John married the love of his life, Marcella “Sally” Fuerstenberg, on December 30, 1950, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fennimore. They shared 69 years of marriage before Sally’s passing in 2020.  Together, they built a beautiful life grounded in faith, family, and farming. John’s passion for farming was formed early on.   John’s farming career began in 1951; on the same farm he was born. Over many decades, he raised dairy cows, hogs, and chickens. He retired from farming in 2010.

John and Sally shared a love for dancing, traveling to Hawaii, Alaska and spent about 10 years wintering in Florida. Fishing and camping were past times John enjoyed. In his younger years, John was an avid bowler and enjoyed woodworking. John will be remembered for his kind spirit, quiet strength, and the timeless principles he lived by each day.

John is survived by his eight children: Dave (Cheryl) Budworth, Kathy (Carson) Clark, Joe Budworth, Tom Budworth (Geneva Foster), Alan (Marie) Budworth, Larry “Lewy” (Pam Bark) Budworth, Carol (Ron) Miles, and Paul (Leah Lemieux) Budworth; 26 grandchildren; 68 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren plus two on the way; and sister, Mary (Don) McKelvey. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-laws, Rosemary Stoffel, Bernice (Leroy) Ihm, and Fran Fuerstenberg, along with several nieces, nephews, and very good friend, Jim Ley.

He was preceded. In death by his parents; wife Sally; daughters in-law, Julie Budworth and Lori Budworth; grandson Brian Budworth; and great grandson Calvin Haas. His brothers and sisters, George (Marie) Budworth, Jr., Lucille (Ralph) Kasprzak, Barb (Fran) Wissbaum. He also preceded in death by his brothers and sister-in-laws, Lawrence (Evelyn) Fuerstenberg, Donald Fuerstenberg, Norma (Miles) Starrett, Jack Stoffel, and Maxine Fuerstenberg.