Arnold Strege

Arnold W. "Bud" Strege, 84, of Watertown, was called to his Lord and Savior in the early morning hours of Saturday, June 13, 2015 at Jefferson Memory Care, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family.
Bud was born in Watertown on December 24, 1930 to Arnold E. and Julia (Weihert) Strege. He attended schools in Watertown and Milwaukee, graduating from Watertown High School in 1950.
Bud married the love of his life, Nancy Brier, on June 20, 1953, in Watertown, and they enjoyed nearly 62 years of companionship. Meeting in high school, Bud knew he would make Nancy his wife, and did just that. Patsy Cline's "Always" became their song and was a promise they fulfilled to Bud's last day.
Bud served in the National Guard and owned a local laundromat, among numerous other jobs. He retired from the City of Watertown Park & Rec, Street, and Recycling Departments after 23 years, and continued working even in retirement for Pederson Funeral Home, the Watertown Daily Times, and doing yard work.
First and foremost, Bud was a man of faith. A longtime member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Bud worshiped God, serving Him with his time and talents as an elder, usher, cantor and choir member.
A family man through and through, Bud was the most devoted, loving husband and wonderful father to five children. He taught the importance of faith and family with his actions. Perhaps Bud's greatest source of pride was instilling a love of Christ Jesus, sports and music in his grandchildren, and watching them grow and learn. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will forever remember his genuine smile, the strong embrace of his arms, his willingness to help anyone with anything, his ability to tell a good joke, and his sharp whistle that could be heard blocks away.
Bud was active in the community throughout his life, best remembered as a sports enthusiast and performer. Bud played ball and officiated various sports. His favorite activities included slow-pitch softball, bowling and golf. He was an avid Badgers, Packers, Brewers and Bucks fan. Bud also loved using his voice to worship and entertain. He was a soloist for weddings and funerals, and sang in multiple church choirs, barbershop quartets, and the Senior Center Choir. He was a member of the Watertown Curtain Club and other theatrical groups, performing in plays and musicals in the Watertown area. Bud was happy outdoors and took great satisfaction in maintaining an expertly manicured yard.
Bud's quick, warm smile, helping hands and caring heart have touched many and will never be forgotten. We are so thankful for the blessing of having him as our Husband, Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Jefferson Memory Care for providing outstanding care.
Bud is survived by his wife Nancy, five children, Rae Ann (Mike) Wegner of Watertown, Darla (Ron) Abel of Watertown, Kim (Dick) Weed of Dyersville, IA, Leah (Barry) Wuchterl of Watertown, and Jack (Michelle) Strege of Neenah; 15 grandchildren, Triscia (Tim), Nathen (Dana), Brett (Sarah), Shaun (Chelsea), Zack, Megan (Jim), Aaron, Ashley, Eliza (Roy), Derek (Stephanie), Bree, Jake, Carlee, Brittni, and Ian; 20 great-grandchildren; brothers Robert (Beats) and Ronald (Cheryl), sister-in-law Jean Bohnert, other family and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and a stillborn son.
Memorials in Bud's honor may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Jefferson Memory Care or the Alzheimer's Association.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00PM on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1611 E. Main St., Watertown, with the Rev. David Groth presiding. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at the church and Wednesday from 1:00PM until the time of service, also at the church. Bud will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery.
Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Homes is caring for the family. To place an online condolence, please visit www.pn-fh.com.

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