Anita Kay Budenski (73) of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2019. Anita died from complications of pneumonia at Banner Gateway Hospital surrounded by her 3 daughters: Karen, Michelle, and Jennifer.

Anita was born on December 10, 1945, to George and Jean Van Guilder on their family farm in Stanton Township, MN. Anita grew up as one of seven children and is survived by her brothers Larry Van Guilder and Mike Van Guilder, and her sisters Jeananne Hommedahl, Sandra Hanson, and Patricia Van Guilder. Anita was preceded in death by brother Fahey Law and sister-in-law Shirley Van Guilder.

Never a fan of farm chores, Anita found work off the farm at the Windy Acres truck stop when she was just 14. She went on to study secretarial and bookkeeping skills after high school and worked in the accounts payable departments of several large construction companies.

Anita could solve any problem for herself with a trip to Home Depot, or for others with a home cooked meal. She loved fishing, gambling, and thrilling books and movies. She will be remembered for her card playing finesse, outrageous stories, cackling laughter, shocking language, legendary potato salad, perfect pie crust, and big dreams for the future.

She is survived by her children Karen (Helge) Johnson, Michelle (Dale) Ludke, and Jennifer (Bret) Behnke; grandchildren Gunnar, Jenna, Joshua, Alexandra, and Sophia; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Anita’s life will be held in Minnesota this spring. She will be interred next to her parents at the Cherry Valley Cemetery near Cannon Falls, MN.

To honor Anita’s lifelong struggle with bipolar disorder, the family asks that memorials be sent to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/get-involved/donate.