Elena (Helen) Budan, age 78, of Manitowoc, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2025.
Elena was born on March 8, 1946 in San Diego, CA, daughter of the late Ruban Rodriguez and the late Petra Stout. In her younger days, Elena was employed at Holy Family Memorial Hospital. Elena was an Avid crocheter, quilter, and story teller.
Elena married the love of her life, her vida, David Budan on August 21, 1993. They shared 31 wonderful years together.
Survivors include her husband, David, and her two sons who meant everything to her: Michael (Velva) Karnes and Richard Karnes. She is further survived by her stepchildren: Japhy Budan, Mark Budan, and Laura Mullins; one brother: Ramiro Rodrigues; five sisters: Isabel (Jerry) Aguilar, Olivia Mishler, Mary (John) Curlee, Sandy Stout, and Barbara (Kevin) Hussey; her uncle Ruben and aunt Rosemary Alto; her grandchildren: Samantha (Joe) Fischer, Lindsey (Shawn) Genrich, Dylan Karnes, and Savanah Karnes; great-grandchildren: Charlotte Nicholson, Sterling Genrich, and Peter, Lola, and Veronica Fischer; one sister-in-law: Judy Tadych; on brother-in-law: John Budan; as well as numerous nieces, great-nieces, and nephews.
Elena was preceded in death by one brother: Angel Sanchez and one sister-in-law: Deanne Coe.
A private family gathering will be held to honor Elena, as per her wishes. No public services will be held.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, Manitowoc, is assisting Elena’s family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
