Edward—known to many as Ed or E.D.—was born on December 28, 1946, in Traverse City, the son of Edward Budd and Nellie Groesser. On January 4, 1969, he married the love of his life, Jacqueline Marie Laskey, at Holy Rosary Church in Isadore, Michigan. She survives him.

Ed was raised in Northport, Michigan, where he delivered newspapers and graduated from Northport High School in 1964. Even in his younger years, Ed’s good looks and natural charisma were undeniable. In high school, he famously convinced his female classmates to “help” him with homework, purely for academic success, of course.

In 1966, Ed enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, choosing service over being drafted, a decision that deeply honored his father, a World War II Navy veteran. Ed served in the Navy Seabees (CBs), the elite construction battalion known by the motto “We Build, We Fight.” His Seabees tattoo, etched on his right bicep, came with a story that was always delivered with a twinkle in his striking blue eyes. He’d tell you it happened during leave somewhere in Taiwan… though the full truth remained known only to his fellow Seabees.

While stationed overseas, Ed courted Jackie through handwritten letters and recorded audio tapes. He purchased an engagement ring from the PX and sent it home with a tape proposal, instructing his father to play it and present the ring. Ed didn’t know Jackie’s answer until he returned home, where he happily discovered she had said yes.

Originally from Northport, Ed was introduced to Cedar by his best friend, Marlo Behne. Cedar became home, and it’s where Ed and Jackie built their life together. A true jack-of-all-trades, Ed was deeply woven into the fabric of the Cedar community. His talents and leadership contributed to the Cedar Hilltoppers Snowmobile Club, Cedar Chamber of Commerce, Cedar Volunteer Fire Department, the Cedar Polish Festival construction crew, and even the installation of the first light poles at the Cedar ball fields.

Athletic by nature, Ed preferred adventure to organized team sports. He loved skiing, horseback riding, motorcycling, and golf. He was especially proud to coach the “Cedar Chicks” during the town’s women’s softball league.

Ed briefly tried raising animals, his cows named Hamburger and Steak, but it was horses that truly held his heart. Riding Died January 28, 2026

the land surrounding his home brought him peace and joy. He served with pride in the Leelanau County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Division, where he formed lifelong friendships. Anyone who knew Ed knew that if horses were tied outside the Sugarfoot Saloon, he was likely inside enjoying a cheeseburger or nachos. Ed never cooked at home, often telling Jackie that eating out was simply his way of cooking for her.

Ed worked for Davis Electric as a Master Electrician before earning his Electrical Engineering Drafting and Design Technology degree. Many commercial buildings throughout Traverse City still run on systems designed and drawn by Ed Budd. In the late 1980s, he spearheaded a community-driven effort to transform Sugar Loaf Mountain’s Manitou ski hill, raising it 16 feet to create an FIS-approved racing venue. This was one of Ed’s proudest accomplishments, especially as it allowed his son, Ed Jr., and daughter, Tanelle, to race on the hill he helped build.

Ed is survived by his wife, Jackie; his children Jennifer (Rich) Zywicki, Edward (Taryn) Budd, and Tanelle (Bryan Belanger) Budd; his brother Fred (Donna) Budd; his sister Sharon (Wayne) Livingston; and his beloved grandchildren Morgan, Jackson, Severen, Laila, Grace, Wyatt, Luke, and Wade. He is also fondly remembered by many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m., with a Rosary to follow, at Holy Rosary Church in Cedar.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at Holy Rosary Church, with visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. prior to the Mass. Father Donald Libby will serve as celebrant. A luncheon with family will follow. Burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery will take place in the spring.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Comfort Keepers, especially Ed’s full-time caregiver Marie, and to Munson Hospice for their compassion and exceptional care.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Holy Rosary Church, 6982 S. Schomberg Road, Cedar, MI 49621and/or Cedar Fire & Rescue, PO Box 74, Cedar, MI 49621.

Please share condolences and memories with Ed’s family at www.martinson.info. Arrangements are with Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.