Robert Hans Budweg Jr.

Robert (Rob) Hans Budweg Jr. age 76 passed away July 28, 2022, at his family home with his wife Jo by his side in Hunters, WA. He was born July 28, 1946, in Lewiston, ID to Robert Hans Budweg, Sr., and Phyllis Andrews Budweg. Rob graduated from South Salem High School in Oregon in 1965. He continued his studies at Oregon State University for one year in the field of Geology then Lane Community College studying Psychology and Social Science. From 1969-1971 he attended the University of Oregon (GO Ducks!) majoring in education. Rob's first teaching job was in Craigmont, Idaho from 1971-1973. While teaching he completed graduate school during the summer of 1971 and attended the University of Idaho in the summer of 1972. His first daughter Lisa Marie was born on December 21, 1973 in Springfield, Oregon. Rob always looked forward to his time with Lisa during Spring and summer vacation and their road trips to the ocean. Rob completed his Masters in Energy & Conservation with Math and Reading endorsements at the University of Oregon from 1974-1978. There were times during his college career Rob lived out of his car to put himself through school. He was proud of how far he had come in his life. Rob's next teaching job was in Drain, Oregon where he taught math for grades fourth through eighth and initiated the chess club at North Douglas School District. He also served as the summer program and swimming director at the city pool. In 1978 while Rob was visiting his family in Edgewood, WA he rented a Thunderbird from Jo at Dollar Rent A Car. He continued to talk to his dad about the girl he rented the car from. Finally, his dad offered to rent the car for an additional day so Rob could take her to dinner. The rest as they say is "history." Rob and Jo married on March 17, 1979. Their daughter Jennifer Barlynn was born on May 14, 1980 in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Very few babies were being born on that day and the nurses enjoyed taking the time to style her hair. Shortly after her birth Mt. Saint Helen's blew! Jen-Jen enjoyed going to Boy Scout outings and basketball camps with Rob. In 1980 they moved to North Franklin School District in Connell, WA where Rob was a Title I reading instructor and wrestling coach. In the late spring of 1981 he, Jo, and their daughter Jenny traveled to Hunters, WA to interview for a teaching position. The first thing he said when driving into Hunters was, "Wow this would be the perfect place for Boy Scouts." He interviewed with Superintendent Roy Graffis and at the close of his interview Roy stated, "We have some trailers you can look at for living arrangements, you have 20 minutes to give me your decision." Luckily, Diane Benson referred them to a house for rent. The Budwegs leased from Babe and Smitty Smith for three years until given the option to purchase. During that time, Melinda Jo (Mouse) was born on March 30, 1983 in Spokane, WA. Jo's doctor insisted she was having a boy; this is before ultrasounds were common. Ironically, Mindy has the infamous Budweg bent pinky that is prevalent in the men of the family. Rob was all about teaching his girls to be independent women. At the tender age of seven, he taught Mindy how to run the rototiller and lawnmower. Some of her fondest memories were huckleberry picking, venturing the woods, and working outside with her dad. On May 7, 1985, Sharon Arlene entered the scene at Holy Family Hospital in Spokane, WA. Sharon was a very easy baby who loved to eat and sleep. Rob called Sharon Bear-Bear (even while she was his student in 5th grade) and that nickname still follows her to this day. Rob truly loved his girls and was genuinely interested in their lives, work and family. During his entire career at Columbia he was passionate about supporting students both in sports and education. Rob was involved in Boy Scouts, coaching, swimming instruction, Water District Commissioner, Fire District Volunteer, a Notary Public, and the 2002-2003 Grand Master of Odd Fellows in the State of Washington. Rob made it his goal to visit every Odd Fellows Lodge in the state. Some of his fondest memories include traveling to see family in Michigan, going to the Oregon Coast, rock hounding, gardening, and most of all family gatherings. Rob's wife, children, grandchildren, pups, and garden were the pride and joy of his life. Rob was an amazing husband, dedicated father, grandfather, brother, uncle, educator, and community member. He was a forgiving and kind man who always had time for conversation. His passion for education, chess, sports, ancestry, and most of all family time will live on through family, former students, and friends. One of Rob's favorite sayings as visitors left was, (Don't take any wooden nickels), so make sure to check your change. Rob is preceded in death by his younger brother Fred Budweg, father Robert Hans Budweg Sr., mother Phyllis Andrews Budweg, and granddaughter Laurelai. Rob is survived by his wife of 43 years Jo (Jo-Jo) Budweg, daughters Lisa, Jen, Mindy (Mouse), and Sharon (Bear-Bear). Grandchildren by family: Lisa: Joscelyn (Jaws), Josiah, Lael, and Judah.; Jen: Zaven, Treven, Jaaron. Mindy (Michael): Makenna, Michael Jr., Madelon (Mimi); Sharon: Anaiah, Justyne, Reegan. Brother Howard (Barb) Budweg. Charlene Budweg, widow to Fred Budweg and always family. Pups Jordy and Luna. A Celebration of Rob's life will be August 27, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Columbia School in Hunters, Washington with Pastor Ed Dashiell presiding. Memorial contributions may be sent to Cedonia Community Church located at 4562 Highway 25 South, Hunters, WA 99137 or Columbia Youth Sports in memory of Robert Budweg located at 4961 Hunters County Shop Road, Hunters, WA 99137.

Robert Hans Budweg Jr.

July 28, 1946 - July 28, 2022