Mitchell Jared Budnick

Mitchell Jared Budnick, 28, of Midland, MI, passed away unexpectedly on August 10th. His loss leaves a great emptiness in the lives of many family members, friends, and in the community, he served in as a Michigan State Trooper. Though his life was cut short, there is so much to celebrate about the time he spent with us and the impact he had on those around him. The love and the light of his life was his daughter, Luca Bellamy Budnick, age 2. More than anything else, he enjoyed being with her: nurturing her, making her laugh, playing with her, and teaching her, especially all the silly sound effects he was always so good at. Out of everything he accomplished, he was the most proud of being Luca’s father. He adored his nephew Serin, and was looking forward to welcoming a niece he never got to meet. Mitchell grew up in Cadillac, MI. Even as a boy, Mitchell was someone others leaned on. In elementary school, he took part in the peer friend program, serving as a support system for other children his age. He was kind and compassionate toward animals and cherished his childhood pets, Sofie and Maggie. He spent many years as a Boy Scout, making lasting memories with his troop. In high school, he participated in marching band, played football, and competed in track, throwing shot put and discus. Artistic, creative, and sharp, Mitchell had a wide range of interests and a sense of humor all his own that he was always quick to share. He practiced jiu-jitsu, was a lifelong Lego fan, and, in his younger years, had fun experimenting in the kitchen with his own ramen noodle recipes and was known for his famous peanut butter hot dogs. In high school, Mitchell became a certified Wilddland firefighter. He went on to serve four years in the Army National Guard and earned an associate's degree in law enforcement from Baker College. In 2020, he proudly joined the Michigan State Police, graduating with the 137th Trooper Recruit Academy. He served as a Field Training Officer and especially loved his role as a defensive tactics instructor. His dedication was recognized with the 2021 "Above and Beyond" award from Isabella Child Advocacy and the 2024 Harrison VFW Post #1075 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award. Mitchell was so proud to serve with his brothers in arms in the National Guard and his brothers in blue, the Michigan State Police. More than any title or award, Mitchell will be remembered for his genuine kindness and good heart. He was gentle and compassionate, and quick to help, the person others turned to when they needed someone, at home and on the job alike. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his daughter Luca Budnick, mother Denise Budnick, father Craig Schattilly (Gretchen), grandmother Juddee’ Maxwell, sister Ashley Budnick (Hunter Wiren), stepbrother Jacob Maturen (Kelianne), stepsister Samantha Maturen, stepbrother Sean Gillespie, nephew Serin Wiren, aunt Nikki Edwards (Wayne), uncle Rick Schattilly (Kathleen), uncle David Schattilly, aunt Heidi Lepeak; cousins Zachary, Samuel, Michael (Sarah), Chelsea, many other cousins, and the mother of his child, Brooke. He was preceded in death by his grandfather James Budnick, aunt Debbie Budnick, aunt Jeanne Kinne, aunt Rebecca Bank, and grandparents Thelma and Richard Schattilly. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to contribute to an education fund established in Mitchell's memory for his daughter, Luca, through the Michigan Education Savings Program. Gifts may be made at www.ugift529.com using code J33-F56. Donations may also be made to CopLine (www.copline.com), a nonprofit offering free, confidential, around-the-clock support to law enforcement officers and their families. The family also welcomes contributions to the National Domestic Violence Hotline (www.thehotline.org), which offers confidential help and support to men affected by domestic abuse. John 16:22. “Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.” Matthew 5:4. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Cremation was entrusted to the Smith-Miner Funeral Home in Midland, MI. Memorial services in Cadillac are being handled by Peterson Funeral & Cremation Services and will be held 11:00 AM, Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Resurrection Life Church in Cadillac (9127 44 ½ Road) with Chaplain John Harrington officiating. Friends may meet the family from 10:00 AM until services at 11:00 AM. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Mitchell Jared Budnick

December 5, 1997 - August 10, 2026