John Buche

John was born in Lemmon, South Dakota on November 4, 1927. He was one of eight children to Beatrice (nee Jonas) and Joseph Buche. He attended Lemmon High School in Lemmon, South Dakota. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was always incredibly proud to have served his country. John met his loving wife of 70 years, Elaine, when they were children. They courted as teenagers and eventually were married on September 12, 1950 at St. Mary’s Church in Lemmon. After getting married, they moved to the Twin Cities for John’s work where he started General Delivery Service. They raised their family on St. Paul’s Eastside and all 10 of their children went to Sacred Heart Catholic School. John was a very involved volunteer with Sacred Heart Church and participated with bingo, the annual festival, and the Church Bazaar. John was an enthusiastic life-long Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan. He enjoyed golfing and bowling with his children and family friends. For several years, he was a member of the Men’s Club at Phalen Golf Course where he continued to make friends who shared his passion for golf. He was the “neighborhood Grandpa” or “Pops” to other kids in the neighborhood while living 53 years in their home on the East Side. His grandchildren remember going out to the golf course with him to feed the ducks and going up to Arcade Street to collect golf balls that landed in the road. He made a certain whistle with his hands that sounded like a train whistle and to this day, the family has yet to master his signature greeting. As a grandpa, John is the fun grandpa with a huge sense of humor, he is best known as a teaser, and he was the guy the grandkids would sit at the table and eat a bowl of Wheaties with. After retiring, John and Elaine took some time to travel. They enjoyed spending time in Arizona and Florida the most and their children sent them on a memorable trip to Hawaii for their 50th wedding anniversary.

John is preceded in death by his parents; their son, John Buche; their daughter, Debra Kelly; John’s siblings, Mary Ann (the late Bill) Burckhard, Ralph Buche (Joanne), Joe Buche (Leola), and Helen (the late Richard) Ruzsa. John is survived by his loving wife of 70 years Elaine and their children, Dan (Bonnie), Ken (Geri), Shelly (Claude) Anderson, Sue (John) Ward, Pam (Paul) Woodward, Tim (Judy), Jacquie (Jeff) Plaschko, and Tom (Kelly); John’s brother, Richard (Sue); 19 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren and many other family and friends.
A public visitation at Mueller Memorial, 835 Johnson Parkway, St. Paul from 5-7PM on Wednesday, 1/27. Facial coverings and social distancing are required. Private Mass of Christian Burial at Church of the Assumption and burial with full military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

To view a recording of John's Burial Service and Military Honors copy and past this link into your browser: https://youtu.be/7a29StL0HNQ