September 28, 2023 – West Bend, WI – Floyd “Butch” Fredrick Buddenhagen, Jr., 78, of West Bend, WI, died unexpectedly but peacefully in his home on the morning of September 27, 2023.
Butch was born in West Bend in 1945 to Floyd Sr. and Dorothy (Vorpahl) Buddenhagen. Butch attended West Bend High School before studying Education at UW-River Falls where he also played as the quarterback on the football team. He started his teaching career at Silverbrook Middle School and then moved to Badger Middle School where he taught English for many years before finishing his teaching career as Dean of Students.
Butch also was well known for coaching boys’ and girls’ tennis at West Bend West High School. Coaching being a passion of his, he also coached and refereed for many other sporting events at the middle and high school. Butch worked at Pick ’n’ Save for 30-plus years and finally retired this past year. He also worked as the Swim Director of the Kewaskum Kiwanis Park Pond in the summers for over 20 years. Butch had an astounding work ethic and worked as hard as he did for his family, always ensuring his wife, children, and grandchildren would want for nothing.
Butch met the love of his life, Judy, while attending West Bend High School. Being high school sweethearts, they had such a strong, unbreakable bond and shared such a long, memorable life together. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married on May 13, 1963, in an intimate ceremony in Iowa.
Butch and Judy didn’t wait long to start their family after exchanging their vows. They had two sons, Tim and Chris, and a daughter, Amy. They raised their kids in the city that they loved, West Bend.
Butch was a very proud grandparent. He really enjoyed attending all of his grandchildren’s sporting events; even traveling as far as Huron, SD to catch as many basketball and volleyball games as he could. He was the best grandpa – supporting his grandchildren in every way that he could.
Butch had a soft spot for all of the dogs in his life, treating each and everyone like the valuable family member that they were. Starting with Sydney, then Bailey, and his current dog, Gracie, whom he loved to spend time with. He also loved his family members’ pets: Wally, Winnie, and Thor. He loved to buy them Christmas presents every year.
Everyone who knew Butch knew how much he loved watching and supporting the Badgers, the Packers, the Brewers, and the Bucks. He went to many Badger games over the years as a previous season ticket holder. Butch also loved spending time with his family, going to West Bend Farmers Market every Saturday and Music on Main every Thursday.
Butch will always be remembered for his kindness and the way that he loved his family. We’ll always imagine hearing him say “You learn something new every day if you pay attention.” We couldn’t have asked for a better parent, grandparent, sibling, friend, and overall role model. We will miss Butch every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.
He is survived by his children Timothy (Shelly) Buddenhagen, Christopher Buddenhagen, and Amy (Tim) Luft, his grandchildren Jordan (Laura) Buddenhagen, Hope (Zachary) Thornton, TyAnn (Cody) Ulmer, Paige Buddenhagen, Tenley Buddenhagen, and Ella Buddenhagen, his great-grandchildren, Raiya, Shaye Buddenhagen, and Wrenyn Ulmer, his brothers, Richard (Charlene) Buddenhagen and Robert (Mary) Buddenhagen, his brother-in-law, Thomas Potter, along with other loving nieces, nephews, and other friends and family members.
Butch was preceded in death by his loving wife Judith Buddenhagen, his parents, Floyd Sr. and Dorothy Buddenhagen, his mother and father-in-law, Wilford and Bernice Potter, and other relatives.
The family would like to thank the West Bend Police, Fire, and EMT departments for their kindness, especially Officers Becker and Voll.
VISITATION: Butch’s family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service, 1315 W. Washington St., West Bend, from 12 p.m. until 1:45 p.m.
SERVICE: A Celebration of Life service for Butch’s incredible life will follow the visitation at the funeral home starting at 2 p.m.
May we find solace in the knowledge that Butch’s legacy will endure as a reminder of the power of love, compassion, and the impact a single life can have. As we say our final goodbyes, let us remember Butch with joy, love, and gratitude for having been blessed with his presence in our lives.
