Hello everyone,

Bud Gobeski here. After 84 great years on this earth, the time has come for me to say goodbye. I closed my eyes for the last time on 06/26/2025, with members of my loving family by my side. I was born on March 7, 1941, in Bay City MI to the late Ben and Edna (Kolka) Gobeski.

I graduated from T.L. Handy High School in 1959. During that time, I met the absolute love of my life, and the woman I would spend 65 incredible years with, my beautiful Irish woman, Jude (Cleary) Gobeski. We were married on September 17, 1960.  Thankfully, she survives me, because I would not want to go on without her. Together we had and raised 4 of the best kids a couple could ask for. First came our son, Jon Todd. Sadly, Todd left us in 2005, at the young age of 43. I have carried him in my heart ever since. Next came 3 of the most beautiful daughters ever, Jennifer, Jody, and Jill. As a family, we had some of the best camping and vacations, that were still talked about all these years later. Our kids have always been my greatest accomplishment in life, and I am so proud of each one of them. I know that I can leave them, and they will be able to carry on with me in their hearts.

I put in 39 years of work for General Motors, retiring at the age of 59. After retirement, Jude and I built our dream home in Linwood MI, and made priceless memories with our close family and friends, before moving permanently to Florida in 2014.

Throughout my life, I enjoyed many great things, such as hunting in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, fishing any body of water I could cast a line to, bowling, yardwork, Cribbage, Euchre and most of all, golf. I spent many years golfing some of the country's most beautiful courses, with some of the best friends and family a guy could ask for. While golfing, I had 14 total holes in one. Not bad for an old man, I would like to say. I tried hard to pass down my golf skills to the family, but as they all knew, I was the greatest, and they could never beat me.

Speaking of family, spending time by the fire or pool with them was even better than golf, although the gatherings had to be after I was off the course. I would always come home to everyone wanting to see me, and we would tell old stories and make new memories along the way.

As tough and emotionless as I always tried t be, when my 7 grandkids, Bradley, ChristiLynn, Amanda, Brandon, Alex, CassieJo, and Mareike came along, a soft spot showed through. I could not hide the light in my eyes and joy on my face when they came around or I was having a conversation, and they came up. I truly loved being their Papa. Whether it was weekly sleepovers, teaching them golf, watching them play sports when I could, or just sitting and telling them stories, I enjoyed every single one of them.

Over the years I have made countless friends that have become family, but none more than my beautiful wife. Together we traveled the world and shared a love that most could only wish they experienced. Whether I showed it or not, all my hard work over the years was to give that woman the life she deserved. Of everything I have ever experienced or had in my life, being Jude's husband was my favorite thing.

Not only do I leave behind Jude, but also my 3 daughters, Jennifer (Todd) Upleger, Jody Smith, and Jill (Harry) DeMeijer, my 7 grandchildren, Bradley (Dawn) Basselman, ChristiLynn (Justin) Barnella, Amanda (Ben) Smith, Brandon Smith, Alex DeMeijer, CassieJo (Ethan) Deardoff, Mareike DeMeijer, a sister Paulene (Larry) Pittsley, brother Ron (Butch) Gobeski, 14 great grandchildren,  2 great, great grandchildren, a brother in law and 2 sisters in law, Ron and Carolyn Weaver and Joan Cleary.

Besides my son Jon Todd and parents Ben and Edna (Kolka) Gobeski, I join my sister Connie Gobeski, brother Bernie Gobeski, mother-in-law Elanore Weaver, sisters-in-law MJ Gobeski, Wendy Peterson, brother-in-law Pat Cleary, and countless friends and relatives in my passing.

I would like to thank all of those that took the time to call, visit, and spend time with me along the way, especially in my final months. Seeing and hearing from you has truly meant the world to me. Special thanks to my daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Todd for moving down and taking care of me in my final moments. I know many of you would have if you could have. I am thankful they were able to. I can rest knowing you are all here for Jude.

I have decided that I do not want a formal funeral service, and I would like you all to have a celebration of life with friends and family at a later date. In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, please consider a donation to Tidewell Hospice or your favorite charity.

In closing, I ask that you not feel sad and down that I am no longer here. Instead, I ask you to think of me and smile the next time that you think of a memory we shared or do an activity that we used to enjoy. I have lived a life that many never get the chance to live and leave with no regrets. I believe that I have passed down my legacy in each of you that are reading this, and I take comfort in knowing that a little of me will live on in each of you. I love you all.

Goodbye,

Bud.