Wilbur N. "Bud" Craw

Wilbur N. (Bud) Craw, 84, N6555 Townline Road, Town of Fond du Lac, peacefully passed away at his home on Saturday, April 29, 2006. He had been diagnosed with lung and brain cancer on February 7 in Tucson, returned home, and was lovingly cared for by his daughter and sister. He was born on June 19, 1921, at Berlin Hospital and was the first child of William and Minnie Buelow Craw. On December 15, 1943, he married the 'gem' of his life, Avis Jenson, at Perry Lutheran Church, Daleyville. Avis preceded him in death in 2002. He graduated from 8th grade at Record School, a one-room country schoolhouse near Berlin, WI. He enjoyed saying that he was the top student in his graduating class, then adding that he was the only student in his 8th grade class. Bud operated his family's farm north of Berlin until he and Avis moved to Fond du Lac in 1947. He became a refrigeration serviceman at Hansen's Refrigeration Service and then Service Manager. In 1968, Bud and Avis purchased Hansen Refrigeration Service from Fred Hansen, founder. They worked side by side for 19 years until they retired in 1987. He loved his work, believed his customers came first and viewed his employees as his extended family. He was a self-made man. Bud and Avis spent many happy years of retirement at their cottage on Crystal Lake near Pickerel and in Tucson with his sister, LaRayne Wiese. After Avis passed away, Bud spent winters in Tucson with LaRayne and she spent summers with him at his cottage. He learned to play golf at age 68. Just last summer, he played in a golf league, painted his cottage, took his first jet-ski ride and routinely walked two miles around Crystal Lake. Bud and Avis were snowmobile enthusiasts who enjoyed many friendships. He was lovingly called the 'Trail Boss' because he knew the northern trails so well. He put well over 10,000 miles on his last snowmobile. He was mechanical and often created his own unique solutions. He built his own freezer and was a Jack-of-All-Trades. Bud was a man's man. He was usually seen with a pipe in his mouth until he traded pipes for toothpicks. He was a gentle man, slow to anger, who loved life and enjoyed having fun. He lived his life so that he'd have no regrets. He was generous with his time and talents. He was a character of good character. He was a man of his word and his handshake was a contract. Bud and Avis gave Bonnie the best childhood a kid could ever have. Although he never had a son of his own, he was like a father to several men. Grandpa/Uncle Bud was the family patriarch who played with the kids, was a kid himself, overflowed with practical common sense, offered sound advice, was held in high esteem and was always considered 'Cool'. Bud's two grandchildren adored 'Bop' since toddlers. Many will forever miss him. We thank you, God, for this dear, dear man. Bud was a member of Church of Peace. He was a 50-year member of Fond du Lac Lodge #26 F & A.M. He was also a member of Zor Shrine Temple Madison, Scottish Rite Valley of Madison, Mascutin Shrine Club and a Past President of Fond du Lac Shrine Club. Bud and Avis were members of Pearson-Pickerel Lions Club and several snowmobile clubs, including Blizzard Buzzards.Survivors include his daughter, Bonnie (Dave) Denslow; two grandchildren, Bret Denslow of Milpitas, CA and Lisa (Michael) Kachur of Neenah; two sisters, LaRayne Wiese of Tucson, AZ and Hazel (Edward) Lavrenz; one brother, Gordon (Nancy) Craw; nephews and nieces; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; other relatives; and many dear friends. His wife of 58 years, Avis; his parents; a brother-in-law; and a sister-in-law; and a niece preceded him in death.



Visitation: Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM on Wednesday, May 3, at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home.Services: Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Thursday, May 4, at the funeral home. Reverend Virginia Pych will officiate. Burial will follow at Estabrooks Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services on Thursday. There will be a Masonic Service at 10:30 A.M. at the funeral home.Uecker-Witt Funeral Home is serving the family. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.ueckerwitt.com