Following a short illness Bud passed away August 4th, 2021 at Benefis Health System in Great Falls.
Bud was born February 24th, 1944 to Alexander John Michael Dziekonski Sr. and Anne (Bozek) Dziekonski. He was a graduate of Roosevelt High School in Yonkers, New York. Bud proudly served his country in the US Army with service in the 1st Calvary Division, where he served in South Vietnam in the years 1965 through 1967 and obtained the rank of sergeant in 1967. He was with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. He also completed jump school and jungle operations school. He received the Combat Infantryman’s badge, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Vietnam campaign Medals and Unit Citation.
After serving his country, Bud attended and graduated from McPherson College in 1972, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.
During his time in college he also worked part time as a mail carrier for the McPherson USPS. This position was perfect for Bud, as anyone who knew him knows he loved to visit and meet new people. McPherson is also where he met and married his wife Pam.
Bud and Pam married in 1972. After living in McPherson together they moved to Montana, to fulfill Bud’s lifelong dream of being a cowboy and cattle rancher. That dream was never attained and Bud held various positions when moving to Montana, never seeming to find the right fit. His first jobs in Montana were working on a ranch in Manhattan, Montana and also as a security guard for a resort in Big Sky, Montana. There were also times he worked 2 and 3 jobs to enable his 4 children to attend a private Christian school. Bud also was serving his state in the Montana National Guard, obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant E-6 until he was medically discharged in 1997.
In 1992 he finally found his niche working alongside his wife Pam running the private school they originally helped establish together. At Mt. Helena Christian Academy, he and Pam taught and coached the basketball and volleyball teams. He also worked as a referee for the Montana Officials Association and put on basketball camps at Mt. Helena in the summers showcasing his love of sports.
Although he was separated from most of his biological family, he formed close friendships and relationships with many of his church family and who ever else he came across. Bud never met a stranger, and was known by his family for always bringing home strangers to live with them or to enjoy an evening of debate and eat Pam’s tacos.
Despite his handicaps, later in life he remained determined to stay busy with various projects. He was forever trying to start a business and/or selling, buying or trading something. He dabbled in a little bit of everything and wasn’t afraid to try something new.
Anyone that met Bud knew he was a man who did his best to keep God’s commandments. He was a proud American, proud soldier, proud husband and a proud father. He was a self-reliant independent man who loved coaching and teaching young people. He loved sports and instilled that love of sports in his children. He coached other numerous basketball and baseball teams even before having children of his own. He also passed on his love of the outdoors to his children by taking them hiking, hunting and just enjoying the Montana outdoors.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Anne Dziekonski; brothers, Jerry Dziekonski and Billy Dziekonski; sister, Claire Dziekonski; and his wife, Pamela Rae (Engel) Dziekonski.
Bud is survived by his sister, Carol Wallace of Willards, Maryland; children, Aubrey (Kyle) Gillin of Van, Tx and their children Alayna, Try and Kylie; Lincoln (Sarah) Dziekonski of Billings, Mt. and their children Katelyn, Alexandria, Brett, Nathaniel, Grace, Evan, Emma, Garrett, Landon and Whitney; A.J. (Jenny) Dziekonski of Raeford, NC their children Wyatt and Henry; Chance (Kacey) Dziekonski of Helena, Mt. and their children Ethan and Ashtyn.
Memorials in Bud’s name are suggested to any of the agencies that support veterans or disabled veterans.
Committal service with full military honors is being held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday August 14th at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Ave, Helena.
Service Schedule
Rite of Committal
3:00 p.m.
Saturday August 14, 2021
Retz Funeral Home
315 East 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Rite of Committal
3:00 p.m.
Saturday August 14, 2021
Retz Funeral Home
315 East 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
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Kathy Rowsey says
Prayers for your family! Wonderful memories of school at Grace Gospel, camping and eating your mom’s amazing tacos! Your dad was “one of a kind”! He is enjoying the rewards of his “Faith” in Jesus and reuniting with your beautiful mom! Love you …..
Rock Hand says
All of us at Rock Hand are thinking of your family.
We will miss your father he was always handing out candy to everyone when he was in.
He was a character and will be missed.
Everyone at Rock Hand
Sharon Holmquist Peterson says
So sorry for your loss of your dad. Prayers for your family as this is a tough time. May you know God’s comfort. Remember all the great times at Grace Gospel. Your dad was a great basketball coach. Always had fun when he was around. We remember your mom’s great burritos too. At least they are together now.
Jason Quijada says
Hello family friends and people who knew Bud I used to care for Bud years ago approximately five years ago through an in-home care service and it was with great honor to help him when he couldn’t do much around the house because of his blindness I want to thank the ones who cared for him in his last days. But I know you’re up in heaven now with Pam you talked about her often every single day how many days weeks months and years you’ve been together with her every time you’ve said the date I smiled because I could see the love that he had for Pam. Again thank you all that cared for him who stuck by him throughout the years past & present caregivers until his death I am saddened over this loss of Bud Because he sure has one heck of a heart and thank you God for having him be part of my life for that short time that I was caring for him. There were many others that cared for him in his home but for me it was more of a journey I knew so much of him in that short time that I felt like I’ve known him for years. Bud you will always be in my heart You will always be in my thoughts and prayers That one day I’ll get to see you again it was a great honor to have met you sir. You have served this country well and your sacrifice will never Be forgotten I know I’ve said a lot but it needed to be said as I said before you will always be in my heart Bud thank you for serving this country and it was honor to serve you in your home.
Donna Elford says
I was introduced to your family at Mt.Helena school. Later when Andrew and Syris played Basketball. Bud was one of a kind and the most famous ” pollock” I know. He loved Pam so much and recited how many days they had been apart. He missed her deeply. His grief was deep as I am sure yours is too. Pam was very special
The faith they instilled to you will carry you through this and in the days coming. He often spoke of all of you all and how wonderful you are. I agree. Leslie and I send you our prayers. We all know he is with his Lord and that is good.
He has finished his fight. He is with Pam.
It is well.
Susan Earl says
Prayers for you and your family from IMC, Rheumatology and Endocrinology Clinics UTHealth North Campus, Tyler, Tx. Memorial given in honor of your Dad.
Jerry Hutch says
God has received another heroic guard for Heaven. Rest in Peace, Soldier.
Lonita lee Dalton says
I ever loved Pam, Bud and the children. I pray the children and grandchildren will be comforted by the great Comforter Jesus sent to us to keep us in all circumstances. There are so many memories of these dear people etched in the minds of my children and I. We wish you love in your grief. Now they are reunited in the great cloud of faithful witnesses, and will bee looking in on you as you run the race of faith they ever encouraged in your lives.
jessie lesofski says
We met Bud through a mutaul friend. He was always a delight and never failed to offer encouragement. We are so sorry for your loss.