Bernell R. "Bud" Waldinger

Bernell "Bud" R. Waldinger, age 91, of Tomahawk, WI, passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Bud was born in Wausau, WI, on September 23, 1932, to the late John and Emma (Beilke) Waldinger. He was married to Evelyn Mielke on September 1, 1957.
Bud grew up on Wausau's west side, attended the little red school house just up the street from his home, and graduated from Wausau High School. Bud enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving from 1952 to 1956. After his honorable discharge from the military, Bud attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, receiving his Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Bud and his young family then moved to Akron, OH, where he worked at Firestone Tires. They later moved to East Peoria, IL, and retired in 1995 after 30+ years at Caterpillar, Inc. Upon retirement, Evelyn and Bud moved to Tomahawk permanently and built their home on Manson Lake.
Bud loved the outdoors: fishing, hunting, and tending to his garden. He was an avid bowler and a talented baseball player who spent countless hours coaching his children in sports and cheering on the Packers, Badgers, and the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a faithful member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church where he enjoyed going to Bible study and fellowship. He and Evelyn's world revolved around their family. Bud treasured time on the lake, sharing holiday traditions, family vacations, and frequent visits to The Windmill Ice Cream Shoppe with his five grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife of over 67 years, Evelyn Waldinger; his daughters, Jamie (Brian) Wojtysiak of Mapleton, IL, and Brenda (John) Manock of Hartland, WI; his sons, Brian Waldinger of Minnetonka, MN, and Joel Waldinger of Middleton, WI; his sister, Dolores Hilmershausen; his brother-in-law, Wendell Bauman; and his sister-in-law, Elaine Mielke. Bud's grandchildren include Julie Manock of Middleton, WI, Lindsay (Justin) Thelen of Dexter, MI, Arik Waldinger of LaCrosse, WI, Kelsey Manock of Chanhassen, MN, and Emma Waldinger of Madison, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Emma; his brothers, Raymond, Eugene, Russell, and Howard; and his sister, Mildred Sippl.
A memorial service, with military honors, will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tomahawk. Rev. Stephen Gillet will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels at ARDC of Oneida County or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting.