Catherine Elizabeth (Budiac) Rick

Catherine Elizabeth Budiac Rick was welcomed home by her Savior Jesus Christ on March 21, 2026. Survived by her sons, Joseph (Vicki) and Kevin (Tanya). Loving Grandmother to Michelle, Joslynn, Mason, Jesse-James, Austin and Anthony; Great-Grandmother to Miro and Jaxx, Kami and Josiah. Proceeded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Duane Rick; also by her parents Vincent and Rose Budiac and her siblings, Steve (Lorraine), Joe (Phyllis), Richie (Carol), Tony, Millie (Jack) Dudzik, Marge (George) Zylka, and Pam Budiac. Survived by her sister Anne Gliniecki, brother Rudy and sisters-in-law Sharon and Caroline Budiac and many broken hearted nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Cathy was born on January 28th 1944, in Milwaukee to her Slovakian immigrant parents. She was the youngest of 12 children, a member of St. Stephen's parish and a graduate of Messmer High School in 1962. She was revered to her classmates as the "sweetest girl". 

She went on to beauty school at the Accredited School of Beauty Culture where she completed her courses in December of 1967. 

On April 15, 1972 she married her beloved Duane. They went on to build a family and a life of dedication, devotion and faith, not only to each other, but to their community, their extended family and unmeasurable amount of friends.

In 1978, Cathy completed the course for school crossing guard and was awarded a Certificate of Commendation in June of 1993 and Crossing Guard of the Year.

Cathy had many creative abilities. She shared all of them to make other people happy. Whether she was making people gorgeous with her beauty talents, making wonderful handmade items with her extensive crafting talents or making delicious food with her cooking talents, passed on to her by her mother. The hostess of many gatherings at her home or around a campfire, there was an open invitation extended to all.

Together with family or friends, Cathy and Duane enjoyed many traveling adventures around the USA, as well as trips to experience their heritage in Slovakia.

Cathy loved everything that glittered and she truly sparkled both inside and out, with a generous heart and a contagious laugh. She instilled in her boys and grandchildren many wonderful traditions and tremendous family values.

Throughout her life, there was never a place Cathy went that someone didn't comment on her beautiful smile. Even in her last days, she readily offered that precious smile to her newest friends to let them know how much she appreciated them, their friendship and their care for her.

A special thank you to those that visited, sent cards, texts, phone calls and prayers for Cathy during these last difficult years. Your love, support and encouragement for her and her family is appreciated beyond measure.

Visitation will be held for Cathy on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 10:00am until the time of eulogy at 11:45am, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 Noon, all at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 3970 North 92nd Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Entombment next to Duane will follow the Mass at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

To the staffs at Anita's Gardens, Brighton Hospice and Blue Stone, thank you for showing grace, dignity, respect and a genuine love for Cathy in her final days.

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