Roland John Budenaers

04/08/1936 - 07/30/2024

Roland John Budenaers, 88, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 30th, after a brief illness.  He was surrounded by friends and family.

Roland was born in Heers, Belgium on April 8th, 1936.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Winifred Budenaers, and his siblings, Jeff, Freddie, Gladys and Phyllis and his wife of 36 years, Sharlene Budenaers.  Roland's family were very instrumental during World War 2 in Belgium, assisting the Allies and secreting downed airmen and moving supplies as the underground resistance to the Nazi Military. Roland served proudly in the USAF Reserves for 5 years as a flight engineer on the C-119.

Roland leaves behind his sister, Rita; daughters, Suzanne Williams and Lynette Budenaers Kennedy; and his son, Gregg Budenaers.  He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Roland spent the last 9 years of his life residing in Louisville, KY, nearby to his son Gregg and Daughter in law Jodi Budenaers. 

Roland retired from General Motors/ Saturn Corporation after many years as an Environmental Engineer and as a Saturn Project Manager. As a project manager at GM, he earned a patent from the US government related to the development of diesel particulate filters for automobile engines. He was a graduate of the General Motors Institute, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering.

Roland was active in his church, Concordia Lutheran in Louisville. He was a resident of Village Crossing Retirement Community and enjoyed the activities and people there.  

Roland's funeral will be held at Concordia Lutheran Church, Louisville, KY on August 24th, 2024 at Noon.  He will be interred with his beloved wife, Sharlene, this fall in Michigan.