Joseph W. Gelnudas

Joseph W. "Budda" Gelbudas, age 60, of Racine, WI passed away on August 28, 2013 at his residence.

Joe was born July 8,1953 in Waukegan, Illinois. He lived and worked in North Chicago, Illinois. He worked across the street from the bank where he met the love of his life, Vicky. They were married August 28, 1982 and had one son, Joey Jr.

Joe was known for his excellence in building high performance motors. He began at a young age working for Twin City Auto owner Andy Velkover in the mid 70's in North Chicago then for new owner Rich into the 80's. He then worked for Tony Christian at Grand Automotive. He then teamed up with Bob Cannon at Specialty Machine in North Chicago and after a few years Joe took over Specialty Machine until the early 2000's. He then settled into SRT Performance in Union Grove Wisconsin where he continued to build the best engines around and was looking forward to beginning a new venture again as a racecar owner with his son as driver. He was half owner of a dragster where he set multiple national records and he was fortunate enough to win the Nationals in Indy in the early 90's

The only thing that Joe loved more than motors was his family. Close behind motors and his family was his love of weird things. He built Tesla coils and was a part of the Tesla group in Brockport, New York. He and Joey would go every year to the Teslathon in New York where he came to life in the excitement of artificial lightning and power.   Also known for his quirky hair were his funny stories. Joe had an awe about him that could light up the room.

Joe was an only child but had many great friends that were like family to him. He had a following and a talent that no one will ever be able to duplicate. Everyone whose life he touched will surely miss Joe. Joe was an extremely intelligent and energetic man whose wisdom with high performance engines made his loss affect well beyond the scope that I can write about.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Sr. and Amelia Gelbudas and his precious, loving wife Vicky (nee: Miltimore) Gelbudas.

Joe leaves behind a legacy of fun memories, exciting times and stories, but the biggest legacy and the one thing he was most proud of, was his best friend and his son Joey Jr. of Racine, WI. They were very close and Joe was Joey's mentor and father. Joey will Miss him much more than words ever express.

Joe will be greatly missed by a huge host of friends and family that would be far too many to name. but if you're reading this now….You can conclude you are one of these, either friend or family.

A Service of Remembrance will be held in the Funeral Home on Thursday, September 5th  at 6pm.  Visitation will 4 pm – 6pm.