Craig “Bud” Smith, 69, of Waupun, passed away Friday, June 17, 2022, doing what he loved; riding his motorcycle with the wind in his hair and the sun on his back.
Bud was born June 4, 1953 to Stanley and Rita Haase Smith. Bud graduated from Waupun High School in 1972. He picked up the welding trade, worked at a variety of places, but mostly Rayfo Waste Equipment in Waupun. On April 15, 1978 he married the love of his life, Kim Arndt at St. Lukes Lutheran Church in Oakfield. The couple lived in Waupun their entire lives. Bud retired in 2015 but continued to work part-time. When he wasn’t working he loved to be outdoors, hunting, fishing and spending time at the family marsh. He enjoyed working on small engines in the garage and spending time with friends in the driveway and playing with his dogs. Bud always had his 5 B’s: beers, beauties, bikes, bud, and bourbon. Bud was tough on the outside until his grandchildren came about and then he became a softy. Bud loved his wife, daughters, and grandchildren very much.
Bud is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kim; two daughters: Buddi Jo (Adam) Lerum and Alison (Shawn) Nagle; three grandchildren: Kinslee and Maddox Lerum, and Everick Nagle; two sisters: Karen (James) Baierl and Karrie (Bruce) Judd; three brothers: Charles, Clayton, and Kevin (Jennifer) Smith; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Diane Arndt; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Rick (Janet) Arndt, Craig (Val) Arndt, Reagan (Kim) Arndt, Rae (Brent) Stobb, Melissa (Tim) Yahr, and Colette (Tim) Harmsen; and many nieces and nephews who all received nicknames from Bud.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister-in-law, Donna Smith.
Funeral services for Bud Smith will be held Thursday, June 23, 2022 at 4 p.m. at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waupun with Pastor David Cooper officiating. Friends and relatives may call on the family on Thursday at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the family. They will be donated in Bud’s name to a charity he loved at a later date.
Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home of Waupun and staff are serving the family. Visit our website at www.wernerharmsenfuneralhome.com for more information and to send condolences.