E. Budd Gerrits, 69, of Greenleaf, died Saturday, Dec. 4, at a local hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 29, 1941, in Green Bay, a son of the late Edward M. and Elizabeth (Fritsch) Gerrits. On June 5, 1962, Budd married the former Ione Lamers at St. Paul Catholic Church, Wrightstown.

Budd was active in his community and was a 2007 Wisconsin Master Agriculturist. He was involved with the Lions Club, Choir Director of Askeaton, on the Town of Holland Zoning Board, Wrightstown Community School Board, member of St. Pat's Askeaton Church and the finance committee for church, St. Paul's Men's Choir, and was involved with the Baylander Barbershop. Some of the awards Budd received are the Outstanding Young Farmer, Host of Breakfast on the Farm, Host of Night on the Farm, Farm Technology Days in 2008, Lions Club award and he was a strong advocate for agriculture.

Budd is survived by his wife, Ione Gerrits; children, Thomas (Anne) Gerrits, Carolyn (William) Waring, Michael (Cindy) Gerrits and Julie (Michael) Fischer; grandchildren, Cassaundra (fiance, Jon), Nicholas, Craig, Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Megan, Melissa, Jonathan, Lindsey and Claire. Budd is further survived by his sister, Mary Ellen (Floyd) Klister; brother, Dan (Sharon) Gerrits. Ione's family survives as well, Mary Ada (Elton) Petersen, Carol Gossen, Morrison (Dallas) Lamers, Denis (Connie) Lamers, Carol Lamers and John (special friend, Marge) Lamers; special friend, Sister Marianne Thomas; godmother, Agnes Gerrits; uncle, Leo Gerrits; and cousins, nieces and nephews.

Budd was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Elizabeth; brother, Gary Gerrits; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John (Helen) Lamers; brothers-in-law, Orville Gossen and Jim Lamers.

Visitation for Budd was held Monday, Dec. 6 at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 305 N. Tenth St., De Pere. Visitation will continue today, Tuesday, Dec. 7, at St. Clare Parish-St. Pat's Church, Askeaton site, from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. with Fr. Al Geiser presiding. Burial will be in church cemetery. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the Gerrits family. Memorials are appreciated to American Cancer Society.