VERA M. BUDZINSKI, age 80, of Thorp, WI, passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at Aspirus Stanley Hospital in Stanley, WI.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Thorp.  Rev. Phil Beukema will officiate and burial will follow in Eidsvold Cemetery, rural Thorp.  Pallbearers will be: Donnie Jagodzinski, Ryan Budzinski, George Starks, Tim Tieman, Travis Tieman, Ben Hubbard, Ivan Hubbard and Kelly Brunett.  Visitation will be held at Thorp Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 from 4pm to 7pm, and again on Wednesday at the church from 9:30am until time of service.

     Vera Mae Starks was born on January 7, 1943 in Stanley, WI, the daughter of Emory L. and Iola (Gemmeke) Starks. She was raised on the family farm and received her education in area schools, including Stanley High School. After high school, Vera was united in marriage to Chester James. They lived in Vesper and later divorced. She moved back to Thorp and was united in marriage to Eugene F. Budzinski on July 31, 1965 at the Stanley Presbyterian Church. She worked at ITT Life in Thorp until its closing and was the Fuller Brush Lady for 15 years. Vera also cleaned at St. Paul's Lutheran Church and the Silver Dollar, and drove school bus for Rosemeyer Bus Service from 1968 until 2020. During this time, she enjoyed driving many of the Thorp girls’ sports trips.

     Vera had many interests, but especially enjoyed camping, hunting, cooking, being outdoors, Bluegrass and spiritual music, and watching Thorp girls’ sporting events.  She grew up making maple syrup every Spring, and continued to do that every year on her property South of Thorp.  Vera also sold at many flea markets, including being a vendor for 30+ years at Warrens Cranberry Festival.

     She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, the Rock Dam Rod & Gun Club, was the Assistant State Director of Good Sam Camping Club, and was president of the Black River Ramblers Camping Club.

     Vera is survived by her son: Emory (Carrie) of Wausau, WI; her daughter-in-law: Lori Budzinski of Fenimore, WI; three grandchildren: Angela (Eric) Robertson, Brett Budzinski (fiancé Jordan Dang), Brianne Budzinski (fiancé Mason Eck); two sisters: Ruthie Sommers of Stevens Point, WI, Ruby (Bruce) Jaecks of Gleason, WI; two sisters-in-law: Mary Ann Truckey and Elaine Starks, both of Thorp; two brothers-in-law: Jack (Barb) Budzinski and Bernard (Joan) Budzinski, both of Thorp; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Eugene, on March 14, 1995; her son, William, on March 24, 2023; one brother, George Starks; one sister, Velma Kiraly; three brothers-in law, Kenneth Kiraly, John Sommers and Joe Truckey; and one sister-in-law, Betty Tieman.