Leonard Zigman Budzen

Obituary of Leonard Budzen Leonard Budzen, beloved husband of Josy Budzen, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2016 at The Villages Regional Hospital. He was 94. Precious father to Janice Budzen and Sheri and John Wojciechowski, loving brother to Violet Laliberte (who is 98) and cherished grandpa to Lauryn Sprung, Maddy and Mike Tousley , Mike, Chelsea and Matt Wojciechowski and Jeff and Jenny Budzen--their daughter Jessica was Len and Josy's first great granddaughter, and Hannah Budzen. Len was born in Detroit on October 27, 1922 to Polish parents Walter and Stella Budzen. They came to the U.S. from Poland as teenagers and met in Detroit. Len spoke the Polish language fluently as does his sister. Raised in Detroit, Len graduated from Cass Tech High School as valedictorian and received a scholarship to the University of Miami in music. Although an accomplished violinist, he said when he saw all the extremely talented musicians there he switched his major to engineering. He served his country in the Pacific as an Ensign in the U S Navy from 1943 to 1946. In 1948 he graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Engineering and began a long career with General Electric (formerly Carboloy). He served in various marketing and sales management positions and along the way he acquired several Midas Auto Repair shops, which he later sold. His passion was the electric car and in the 70s at Copper Development Corporation he was responsible for the development of an electric car. His success was touted in many newspaper stories and Len drove the car in a number of parades throughout the country. He was even a contestant on the TV program "To Tell The Truth." It is no wonder that he was one of the first to own an electric car when they became available. After many years of traveling the world with Holland America Cruise Lines and the Michigan-based Nomads travel group and during winter months escaping Michigan's harsh winters at Siesta Key beaches, Len and his wife bought a place in to The Villages in 2012 where they enjoyed golfing. Len also loved gardening and teaching tricks to beloved dog Ginger. Len lived his life to the fullest--always having a positive outlook no matter the challenges. He will be remembered for his infectious smile, keen mind, quick wit, hearty laugh and kind heart. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11 am Saturday, January 28, 2017 at North Lake Presbyterian Church, 975 Rolling Acres Rd, in Lady Lake. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to NHS Foundation--Autism, 3231 S. Gully Rd., Suite E, Dearborn, MI 48124. Arrrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Lady Lake, FL Online condolences may be left at www.BeyersFuneralHome.com

Leonard Zigman Budzen

October 27, 1922 - December 17, 2016