Orin "Bud" Erwin Baerwald, age 94 of Belvidere died peacefully Sunday January 17, 2021 at East Bank Rehabilitation Facility. He was born January 5, 1927 to the late Reinhold and Elfrieda Baerwald in Dodge County Wisconsin. He enlisted December 29, 1944 into the U.S. Navy SeaBees at age 17 and served as a machinist mate Third Class USNR. He said he liked what the Navy had to offer. Bud was always interested in construction, machinery, and engine repairs. He served in Okinawa, among others until his honorable discharge on July 14, 1946. Bud earned the American Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon – 1 Star, and a World War II Victory Ribbon. He also served with the National Guard. He was very proud to serve his Country.

Bud owned an Ice Plant, and a Bowling Alley in Marshfield Wis. He always had a passion for bowling which he got from his parents. They had given up farming to own that bowling alley. He then moved his family to Belvidere IL, where he took employment at the newly built Chrysler Plant in 1965 to 1997 when he retired. He also drove school bus for District 100 for many years. Bud was also known for his pool shark days at the Boone County Keen Age Center. He loved playing pool almost every day with his special friends there.

He is survived by his son Thomas Baerwald; daughters, Kris (Tim) Hall; Sarah (Paul) Layman; Jennifer (Kurt) Bentsen; 6 Grandchildren, Abagail, Sarah, Elizabeth, Alexander, Madeline, and Zachary; sister Marlene (Robert) Dondelinger; 5 nieces, and 5 nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother Howard, and sister Isabel.

A military graveside service will be held in the Spring at the Jefferson Prairie West Cemetery. Please share a memory with the family at www.AndersonFCS.com.

A memorial will be established in Buds name by the family.