ARNOLD “ARNIE” M. BRAWDERS, 80, of Jefferson passed away on Monday, May 23, 2016 at Sylvan Crossing surrounded by his family.
Arnie was born in Watertown, March 17, 1936, to John and Weltha (Burr) Brawders, graduated from Jefferson High School in 1954. He married Jean Ann Metzker in 1955 and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
He began working at Stoppenbach’s Sausage in Jefferson at the age of 15 and continued to work there for over 35 years. He also worked at Schweiger Industries for many years. Later in life he, found new joy in his work as a bus driver logging many, many miles and just as many smiles in his 22 years at Jefferson Bus Service.
Arnie was an active lifetime member of St Mark’s Lutheran Church, serving in the choir, as a Sunday School teacher, on the Church Council, ushering and helping with Communion. He led Boy Scout Troop 147 as Troopmaster. Arnie was active in the Jefferson Historical Society and the Jefferson Kiwanis Club. He was also a 50 year member of the Jefferson County Masonic Lodge #9, Zor and Sahara Shrine Club, and Scottish Rite. Over the years he donated 35 gallons of blood through the Red Cross. In recognition of his service, he received the Citizen of the Year, Service Above Self and the George F. Hixon Fellowship Awards.
Arnie lived out his strong commitment to Jefferson through serving as an Alderperson from 1986 until he was elected as Mayor in 1994. He served as Mayor for a decade and also sat on the Planning Commission, Finance Committee as well as many other committees through the years.
Arnie will be deeply missed by his wife Jean, as well as his four surviving children, Karen (Mike) Heine of Mukwonago, Alan (Teresa) Brawders of Jefferson, Lisa Joseph (Randy Brandt) of Fort, and Jason (Jenny) Brawders of Jefferson. He was also blessed by and had a strong love for his grandchildren, Jeremiah Heine (Laura Kaiser), Jamee Heine (Joe Newville), Chad (Katie) Schoenherr, Eric (Kerri) Brawders, Ben Brawders (Jenny Bartram), Kevin Brawders, Matthew Joseph, Emily Joseph (Nick Scott), Jacob and Jesse Brawders. He had a special place in his heart for his great grandchildren, Brooklyn & Peyton Pederson, Isaac & Isaiah Schoenherr, Eli, Gabe and Grace Joseph. Arnie had strong connections with his many nieces, nephews, their children and grandchildren. He had great friendships with his brother John and sister, Delight.
Arnie was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ross, and his dear daughter, Wendy.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday May 27th, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Jefferson with the Rev. David Zandt officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday, May 26th from 4:00-8:00pm at the Schneider Michaelis-Funeral Home in Jefferson with a Masonic Service at 8:00 pm., and then again at the Church on Friday, May 27th from 10:00-11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Rainbow Hospice, Shriners Children’s Hospital, or the Jefferson County Humane Society.
Visit, www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or light a candle in his memory.

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