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.
Gary & Ann Reitenbach says
We want to express our most sincere sympathy to the family and most especially to Joey. We know how very close you and your Dad were to each other. Please remember he will always be close to you in your heart and be looking down on you with the pride and love a father has for a son. We hope that gives you the strength you need during your time of grieving
Christine Erickson (maki) says
Christine Erickson (maki) says
Joey, I’m so sorry about your dad. I know how much he loved you. You were his world! I love you guys….I miss your mom so much. She was better than my sisters could of ever have been! She was always there for me. She was my love. She is your angle! Now so is your Dad. If I can help you in any way, I’m always here for you. Love you honey…
Marie Adler says
Dearest Joey
I remember the first time I met your dad. It was quite an experience! I know he made me laugh that night and as we all spent many weekends at gramma and grandpa’s house the laughter continued. That is what I will remember about your father. Remember Joey you are not alone. You will always have us.
Love Auntie Marie
Bruce Rukstales says
Joe was a nice guy, he’ll be missed by many…
Jean Peyton says
Joey; very sorry to hear about your dad. Will be praying for you at this very difficult time.
Joe says
Joe has been a part of the Miltimore family for more than 30 years. He certainly brought a lot of life and energy into a very large extended family that already had a lot of life in it.
He was well loved by his in-laws, Steve & Joanne.
Neither Joe nor my sister Vicky ever had a harsh or judgmental word to say about anyone. They were so honest that Fr Bill asked them to be the official collections counters at St. Bartholemew Church in North Chicago.
Everyone in our family was particularly fond of Joe’s “Budda” Sauce, which may be the best spaghetti sauce I ever tasted.
Being around Joe & Vicky was certainly a never-ending adventure that had many spontaneous and unexpected ventures. You never knew how a seemingly ordinary day might turn out (some of us will never forget the spu-of-the-moment decision to drive up to Wisconsin to crash my parent’s camping trip. We didn’t know exactly where they were, but we were sure we could find them – somewhere in Wisconsin – and we did.)
Joe and Vicky were generous and would do anything for anyone who needed help – and expect nothing in return.
They don’t make many people like Joe & Vicky anymore and that’s too bad. I personally consider myself fortunate to have spent many great times with them. I hope they are now together in some way.
I know that some day, after the pain eases (and it will), Joey will have many fond and happy memories.
mickey stephens says
I got to see Joe last time I was there. We talked about the first time we met. I took him for a ride in the nova I had and he said he was hooked. I’m thankful I got to talk to him. I think we both enjoyed our talk very much Joe was a good friend. He will be missed by all.
Margaret Hamm says
Wish I had met him more than once. From all accounts he sounded like an awesome man to know. May everyone ‘s pain be eased in the days to come.
Julie, Don and Emily Larson says
Dear Joey, Please know that your Dad and Mom loved you very much. You came from a very loving family and your Dad thought the world of you. Joe was a very talented person and he will be missed!
Kelly Stockwell says
Joey, I am glad that I am able to be here to help you and that you feel comfortable with me. I sure do love you and I loved your mom and dad. You should be very proud of yourself. You have been handling this tragedy with confidence and maturity. I am also very proud of you. I will always be here to help you and keep you safe. We will remain very close and we will stick together. That way we can endure. Love always, Auntie Kelly
Karen Maki says
Another great person taken way too early.Rest in peace
Kimberly Kardos says
I will LOVE You until I die!
Ed and Cheryl Wingate says
Words can not convey our sorrow on the loss of Joe Gelbudas. Even though we only saw him once or twice a year, he was a dear friend who was always welcome in our home and at our Teslathon where he was loved by everyone. He was a true gentleman who was extremely intelligent, had many interests and was humble about it all. We will miss him.
Karen Mariotti says
Joe was always there with a hug and a great smile. He was a great guy with never a bad word about anyone. I saw him at the Rochester Area Tesla Coil Builders August 24, 2013 Teslathone. I am glad I got two big hugs to add to my memories. He will be missed but, always remembered. My heart goes out to Joey Jr. Your dad will live on in all are thoughts. May all your memories of your dad be good ones!
Bert Hickman says
Joey,
I’m so sorry to hear about Joe – he will be missed greatly. It was so nice seeing and visiting with you guys at Ed’s this year. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thomas Vales says
Dave & Carolyn Sharpe says
Joey and family,
Carolyn and I are shocked, stunned and saddened by Joe’s
sudden passing. We enjoyed talking about vintage cars, engines and of course Tesla Coils and HV mayhem. We were fortunate to see him and talk during the recent meeting in New York. Please accept our condolences; he will be missed.