Waterloo Heartbreak and Hope After Hit-and-Run Takes Cole R. Strohbusch, Leaving Megan Strohbusch and Three Children as She Says His Love Is Felt Everywhere
The community mourns the loss of a husband and father during what should be a season of joy.
NewsAshishDecember 27, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 26, 2026
Cole R. Strohbusch, a foreman for Maas Brothers Construction, lost his life at 35 in a hit-and-run crash on Sunday, December 21, 2026.
He was married to Megan Hubacher and had three beautiful children, Paisley, Rhyatt, and Westyn.
The Strohbusch family is grieving an unthinkable tragedy just days before the holidays.
Cole R. Strohbusch was killed early Sunday morning in a hit-and-run accident. The incident occurred around 12:40 a.m. on East Main Street.
Police investigators report that a pickup truck struck Cole and dragged him for several blocks before fleeing the scene.
They located the truck using video evidence and a license plate reader and arrested 54-year-old Jeffrey Mark Redecker at his home.
On December 23, Redecker was charged with homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle and hit-and-run resulting in death. A Jefferson County judge set a $500,000 bond for Jeffrey Redecker in the hit-and-run case.
They keep wondering where Daddy is — especially the little one, he just keeps saying ‘Daddy, Daddy.’
Megan StrohbuschAlso, see: Ravenna, Ohio Coach’s Fight: Eddie Ward’s Long Recovery Begins After Accident, Family Leans on Faith
Cole Strohbusch’s Tragic Death Leaves Wife Megan and Three Young Children
Cole R. Strohbusch, the son of Doug and Kathi Strohbusch, was born on November 20, 1990, in Watertown, Wisconsin.
He passed away tragically at the age of 35 as the result of a hit-and-run crash.
Cole’s lifelong passion for building and craftsmanship led him to a dedicated career as a foreman for Maas Brothers Construction.
His professional career led him to meet the love of his life, Megan Hubacher, while working on the new Johnson Creek High School, where she is a teacher.
Megan studied MSE Special Education Cross Categorical (K -12) Licensed at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Later, they married on May 19, 2018, at the Watertown Country Club and built a beautiful family with three cherished children: Paisley (6), Rhyatt (4), and Westyn (1).
Cole was a devoted family man, and his greatest joys were found with Megan and their children. He shared his deep love for the outdoors, hunting, and fishing, creating irreplaceable memories.
During the recent hunting season, he left a profound impression on his children’s hearts, and they will forever treasure their time in the woods with “Daddy.”
Before their children arrived, Cole and Megan enjoyed playing softball and hunting together. They channeled their shared love for sports into coaching their children’s teams.
Their home was always full of life, having raised everything from pigs and chickens to puppies and kittens.
He’s watching over everyone right now. He’s surrounding everyone and making sure we’re all loved. And we see that coming from everywhere — the community. That’s pushing everyone in our family to keep us strong.
Megan StrohbuschCole is survived by his loving wife, Megan; their beautiful children, Paisley, Rhyatt, and Westyn; his parents, Doug and Kathi Strohbusch; sisters, Ami (Josh) Lauersdorf, Jami (Jake Snell) Newton, and Amanda Sandri (Heinzel); and grandmother, Billie Hubacher.
Similarly, he shared a close bond with father-in-law, Bill (Donna) Hubacher; mother-in-law, Deb Lonsdale; sister-in-law, Rachel Hubacher; brother-in-law, Kyle (Katie) Hubacher; and many beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
On the other hand, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ken and Ruth Strohbusch, Bob and Arlene Beyer, and Donald Hubacher; great-grandmother, Florence “Grannie” Brost; uncles, Randy and Tom Beyer; and cousin, Jon Vick.
Megan extends her public gratitude to all who have stood with the Strohbusch family, surrounding them with love and care during this unimaginable loss.
Our family would like to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming love, kindness, and support shown to us during this incredibly difficult time. The loss of my husband and the father of our three young children has been heartbreaking beyond words, and the compassion from this community has brought us comfort and strength when we need it most.
Meg AnnThe Strohbusch family will hold a visitation at St. John Lutheran Church on Friday, December 26, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and again on Saturday, December 27, from 10:00 a.m. until Noon.
Pastor Jim Adomeit will officiate a funeral service and will follow Saturday’s visitation, with a luncheon and burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Waterloo.
The family requests no formal attire, as Cole would like them to come as they are.
Instead of flowers, memorials may be made directly to the family. Donations may be dropped at Sips on Main (313 E. Main Street, Watertown) or The Bridge Nutrition (134 E. Madison Street, Waterloo).
In addition to monetary support, Christmas gifts for his three young children are also gratefully accepted.
Rest In Peace, Cole R. Strohbusch.
People also viewed: Michigan Basketball Player Sam Koetsier’s Father, Ken Koetsier, Dies in a Tragic Car Accident!
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AshishAshish Maharjan, author at Players Bio, has been covering news with a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. A writer with a passion for capturing the essence of athletic competition.
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