Steven Budd

Steve Budd, 77, of Mundelein’s Diamond Lake neighborhood in the northern suburbs of Chicago, passed away February 7, 2026. Steve was born on August 31, 1948, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Helen (nee Olson) and James Budd who predeceased him, and grew up in Osage, Iowa. He graduated from High School at Augustana Academy in Canton, SD, and later, Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD, with a Bachelor’s Degree in history and political science. He then went off to Montana to work in Big Sky country on a ranch owned by the parents of his best friend from the Academy, Stuart Swandal. Steve was one of four brothers, Mark, who lives in Washington DC; Paul, who lived in Albert Lea, MN, and passed away in November 2025; Steve, and Erik, who passed away in 2021. Steve met his one and only love, Patti Kral, at age 37 in 1985 while working at a medical supply and delivery business and enjoyed a 40-year relationship that brought stability and opened up a big, new world to him. During this time he began planting a 40-acre Christmas tree farm in Cedar Falls, Iowa, inspired by his dad who had a tree farm in Osage, and brother, Paul, in Albert Lea. Steve and Patti kept up a long-distance relationship until they made a home together on Diamond Lake. Life on the lake brought Steve much happiness, from boating at all hours on the “floating patio”, the big pontoon, to dinners and midnight swims. When the lake froze over, Steve and Patti would enjoy ice skating and winter activities. It was on the Christmas tree farm, however, that Steve found his greatest joy. Families from near and far would visit Kris Kringle’s Christmas Trees to choose and cut their holiday tree. It was a magical setting during the holiday season. Steve delighted in creating enchantment for the children, which brought Steve the most enjoyment. Steve retired from his direct support position at Lambs Farm in Green Oaks, IL, a residential community where people with developmental disabilities were encouraged to lead productive, happy lives. He excelled in this space, as he had warmth and an endearing wit, kindness, and genuine interest in the well-being of others. In later years, Steve was his happiest and most defined when he had a project to focus on. He designed and hand crafted all his projects. He had a clever, often quirky sense of design for furnishings and organization of his belongings. Always creative, Steve was known by many as “Velcro man.” Even during his last few days on earth, he asked Patti to bring duct tape, Velcro, scissors, and cardboard to his hospital bed to construct a caddy to hold his remote that was constantly out of reach. Steve also loved antiquing. On road trips and Sunday drives, he would watch for flea markets and antique shops and loved to find things he remembered from his childhood and family home. His interests focused mostly on 40's and 50's nostalgia and how things were designed -- not just any toaster, for example, would be acceptable. It had to have features that he thought were clever and unique. One of his favorite acquisitions was a collection of Hamilton Beach malt mixers, and anything aqua or malt mixer green stood out for him. Items that tickled his sense of humor got special attention. Patti opened Steve's eyes to international travel. The couple greatly enjoyed two trips to Norway to keep in touch with family on both sides. Other highlights included Singapore; a road trip through Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and France; a sailing tour of the Caribbean and Central America; and an idyllic sailing cruise of the Greek Isles. Later they traveled with new friends they met from England and Canada on this voyage, each couple planning a tour of their beautiful country. They particularly loved exploring ancient sites like the Mayan archeological site of Tikal in Guatemala, and biblical and historic sites in Greece. Steve is survived by his loving partner, Patti Kral, and brother, Mark Budd (Gita). He was a beloved uncle of six nieces and nephews whom he viewed as the children he never had, and fourteen great-nieces and nephews: Shannon Budd (Ryan Ingebritsen); Alex Budd (Lillia, and children, Walker, Elloise, Annalie, and Suzette); Tanya Theesfeld (Tom, and sons, Payton and Paxton); Desiree Essler (Jeremy, and children, Nathan, Riley, and Raeanna); Erin Bell (Brian, and children, Violet, Isla, Logan, and Josie); and Levi (Maggie, and daughter, Evie); and sisters-in-law, Valerie, wife of the late Paul Budd, and Jan, ex-wife of the late Erik Budd, all of whom meant the world to him and assert that his contagious smile, playfulness, and gentle sense of humor will be deeply missed. Steve will be remembered for his strength and resilience. He met his many challenges with determination, warmth, and kindness. Two memorial services are planned to be held at later dates, one in Mundelein, IL, and Albert Lea, MN, which is central to his family and friends. Gifts in his memory may be made to your favorite charity. Steve's wishes were to have his remains donated to Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois; his cremated remains will one day be placed in his handpicked, Chock Full o'Nuts antique coffee tin at his request, demonstrating his sense of humor even in death. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com

Steven Budd

August 31, 1948 - February 7, 2026