Arnold G. Happersett

Arnold G. ""Bud Happ"" Happersett Born 9-28-24 in Redgranite Wisconsin, parents Leroy & Margaret (Flemmer) Happersett. Bud and Kathy were married in Las Vegas on April 2, 1988. They chose that day since Kathy didn't want to get married on April Fools Day. Bud was a life-long resident of the Redgranite area. He was educated in the Redgranite Schools. Leaving school at age 17, Bud went to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and worked in the shipyards. From there he joined the U.S. Navy in 1942, and after basic training enrolled in Salvage Divers School in New York City. Upon completion of the training he served the remainder of WWII in the Philippines working as a salvage diver. After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy Bud went back to Redgranite, Mr. Martin, being a kind school principal, signed Bud's high school diploma. Upon Buds return from the service he built Happ's Dairy in Redgranite with his brother Bob, where they pasteurized and bottled milk and delivered it from house to house. In 1948 the Happs built a lunch counter and started serving sandwiches and ice cream. Later it was turned into a restaurant and the dairy was discontinued. Bud built, owned and operated car sales lots, gas stations, lumber yards, RV centers, Mobile Home Sales Lot, and finally after ""Retiring"" and not liking that built and operated 2 furniture stores for several years. He loved fast cars, car racing, from dragsters to NASCAR. He learned to fly single engine planes after the war and years later decided to learn to fly a helicopter. He often said that was the most terrifying thing he ever did, but he received his rating in his mid 70's. Bud traveled to Florida many, many years ago and instantly fell in love with the state. He was president of Landmark Construction and built built homes in the Orlando area, owned and operated mobile home parks in the Cocoa/ Merritt Island area. Preceded in death by his parents, his beloved brothers Bob, and Wilbur and his wife Marge. Survived by his wife Kathy, one sister, Jean (Quetz) Monacelli, sister-in-law Lois happersett and many nieces and nephews, and other relatives plus many friends, and of course his beloved calico cat Callie. He was a member of Salvage Divers Reunited, and the Moose Lodge #2073 of Merritt Island, Redgranite Volunteer Fire Dept, The VFW, and Redgranite Golden Alumni Assn. Bud loved life and lived it to the fullest. His was a rich and colorful life and he will be missed by everyone who had the good fortune to know him. Visitation will be Tuesday April 6, 2010 at Beckman Williamson Funeral Home 101 N Brevard Avenue, Cocoa Beach, from 3 PM to 4 P.M. with funeral service following at 4 P.M. A reception will follow at 5:30 P.M. at the Merritt Island Moose Lodge #2073 on N. Courtenay Parkway.