Frederick Budnik

Frederick Budnik Of White Bear Lake Died at Age 88 on Tueday, August 16 Beloved husband of the late Rita M. Budnik; also predeceased by parents Frederick and Helen Budnik and twin infant brothers. A devoted father and grandfather, he is survived by his daughter Carol (Dale) Monson, sons Brian and Jim and grandson Chris (Katherine) Leibel. Also survived by sister, Barbara Watson and many nieces, nephews and other family members. Fred grew up on Long Island, NY. He enlisted in the Army Reserve in December 1942 and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II with the Army Signal Corps. After the war he earned BS and Masters Degrees in chemistry from Union College, Schenectady, NY and was elected to the scientific research society Sigma Xi. Fred worked as a research chemist with Allied Chemical & Dye Corporation in Buffalo, NY, investigated water pollution as a sanitary chemist for the NY State Department of Health, then worked as a development chemist for the Mica Insulator Company in Schenectady, NY, which was acquired by 3M Company, leading to 31 years in the 3M Electrical Products Laboratory. At 3M he received many patents and did extensive work on various mica products, electrical tapes, many laminated materials including flexible and rigid copper clad laminates used for printed circuits, and thermal fuses used to protect household appliances from fire. In NY he was active on the Junior Achievement Board of Directors. He was an ardent gardener and enjoyed sharing his love of plants and gardens, giving away plants and sharing his knowledge with friends and neighbors. As a member of the American Rose Society he won a number of ribbons for his roses and also tested roses for Jackson & Perkins and for a California grower. An avid fisherman, Fred enjoyed fishing Minnesota's many lakes and rivers. His wife had a wood carving of a Japanese fisherman that she called Fisherman Fred. He later used that as a pen name for his 'Fisherman Fred of White Bear Lake' stories in the St. Paul Pioneer Press Bulletin Board. Visitation and a celebration of Fred's life 9 AM - 1 PM Thu Aug 18 at Mueller Lake Mortuary, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake (north of 2nd St and Bald Eagle). Memorials preferred to donors choice. Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.