Henry Edward “Bud” Zander

Henry Edward “Bud” Zander 98

Waunakee/ Cross Plains

Henry Edward “Bud” Zander of Waunakee/ Cross Plains, Wisconsin, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and community leader, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025, at the age of 98 (or 1177 months, as he liked to say and celebrate).

Born on December 6, 1926, in Cross Plains, Wisconsin, Bud was the cherished son of Henry L. and Loretta I. (Kerl) Zander. He was also the great-grandson of Otto Kerl and the grandson of Henry M. Zander, both prominent community leaders with deep roots in Cross Plains. Tragically, Bud’s father passed away before he was born, leaving him and his sister, Rita, to be lovingly raised by their mother, grandfathers and an extended family of devoted aunts and uncles.

As a young man, Bud worked at the family’s businesses, HM Zander Company (General Store and Creamery), where he took on a variety of roles, from delivering sugar to becoming a licensed butter maker. He attended St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, Park High School, and graduated from Edgewood High School in 1945. After high school, Bud enlisted in the U.S. Army, proudly serving in a truck battalion at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, from 1945 to 1947.

Upon completing his military service, Bud returned to Cross Plains and resumed working in the family businesses. On April 21, 1951, he married the love of his life, Geraldine “Jeri” Knipschield. Together, they shared 57 wonderful years, raising five daughters. 

Bud transitioned into banking, starting his career with the Bank of Madison. In 1957, he joined Farmers State Bank in Waunakee as a cashier. He furthered his education by attending the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking. Over the course of his remarkable career, he rose to become Board Chair and CEO of the Bank of Waunakee, guiding the bank’s growth and its eventual merger with the State Bank of Cross Plains (now Lake Ridge Bank). Bud was also a founding member and director of Banker’s Bank and an active member in the Independent Banker’s Association, contributing significantly to the banking industry at local, state, and national levels.

Bud’s life was marked by a deep commitment and love for community service. He was a respected member of many organizations including the American Legion Posts 245 and 360, Cross Plains and Waunakee Fire Departments, Waunakee Rotary, St. John’s Catholic Church, and the Salvation Army, among many others. Known for his integrity and kindness, Bud leaves a legacy of service and compassion that will continue to inspire those who knew him.

Throughout his life, Bud wore many hats: butter maker, school bus driver, banker, realtor, land developer, volunteer firefighter, and even restaurant developer (Rex’s Innkeeper). Bud and Jeri had a passion for travel, and as a member of the Friendship Force, they visited Europe and China. Bud and Jeri also enjoyed spending time at their cottage on Irogami Lake in Wautoma, their winter home in Arizona and later in Nevada, attending sporting events, collecting cars, winning raffles, and celebrating his love for family, friends, community and country. Bud was grateful for the opportunity to fly on the Badger Honor Flight.

Bud is survived by his daughters Diane Zander (Steve Atelski) of Speedway, IN; Linda Zander (John) Beck of Birmingham, AL; Lori (Tom) Hadfield of Waunakee; Lisa (Ken) Grueneberg of Monona; 12 grandchildren (Michelle, Nicole, Danielle, Meghan, Michael, John, Michele, Katie, Sarah, Emily, Kia and Kelly) and 19 great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law, Dale (Maureen) Knipschield, and several nieces and nephews.

Bud was preceded in death by his wife Jeri (2008), daughter Debra Lynn Herr (2012), infant son Henry Michael Zander (1953), grandson Matthew Breunig (2021), parents (1926 and 1998), sister Rita Eckstein (1974), in-laws Cyril and Gertrude Knipschield, brother in-laws Sylvester “Bubs” Eckstein, Kenneth Knipschield and sister-in-law Marcia Knipschield Clifton, and many dear aunts, uncles, nephews and cousins.

Bud will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was a shining example of love, loyalty, and service to others, and the memory of his kindness will live on in the hearts of all whose lives he touched.

A service to honor Bud’s extraordinary life and legacy will be held on Sat., Jan 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains, WI. Friends may call at the Winn-Cress Funeral Home, 5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee on Friday, Jan.10, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Firemans presentation will take place at 7:00 p.m..Friends may also call at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Badger Honor Flight or a charity of your choice in Bud’s memory, reflecting his lifelong dedication to helping others.

The family would like to thank the staff at Agrace Memory Care for their loving and compassionate care and friendship given to Bud and our family. 

And as Bud would say, “I make a motion to adjourn.” Rest in peace, Dad. 

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

 5785 Hwy Q

 Waunakee, WI