Marcia L. Budde

PORTAGE – Marcia L. Budde,  63, of Portage, passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg, Wis.

Marcia was born on June 8, 1960, in Portage, the daughter of Donald and Delores (Cadman) Mell.  She was married to Larry Budde on May 17, 1986.

Marcia had numerous interests and occupations throughout her too-short life, but they all revolved around two things: talking to people and having fun.  She would strike up a conversation with a complete stranger and know their life story in short order.  Until her cancer took its final toll, she was always planning the next camping trip with Larry in their RV, scheduling a trip to a Brewers game or attending a John Mellencamp (her favorite artist) concert, or hosting a big Thanksgiving feast for the entire extended family.

Marcia’s ability to relate to people led to successful careers as an outside sales representative for Capital Newspapers and as a regional manager for Check Advance. 

The tenacity with which Marcia fought her cancer became an inspiration to many cancer patients; she outlived her original diagnosis by two years and met every setback with the words, ”We just keep fighting.”

Marcia was happiest when surrounded by family. She is survived by her husband, Larry; her daughter, Dione Schumann and grandson, Coltan (fiancé, Emily Cupp) Myers; her son, Jake (Jena) Budde; her brother, Doug (Sue Kittelson) Mell; her sister, Mary (Jerry) Schneiter; other  relatives and many close friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, David Mell, in infancy. 

In keeping with Marcia’s wishes, a celebration of Marcia’s life will be from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at Dino’s Restaurant in Portage, which Marcia frequented often. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial fund, c/o Larry Budde, N7643 Cardinal Dr., Portage WI 53901.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.