Robert Buettner

On Friday, January 20, 2017, Robert "Bob" Buettner went to his heavenly home just two weeks short of 100 years.

Robert August Louis Buettner was born February 6, 1917 in Langlade County, WI, to August & Elsie (Sperberg) Buettner. He was one of 12 children in the family. Preceding him in death were: brothers: Caspar (Jeannette) Buettner, Arnold (Helen) Buettner, Herbert Buettner, Ruben (Betty) Buettner, Ramon "Mickey" (Shirley) Buettner, August Jr. (Judy) Buettner, and Alfred "Fritz" Buettner; and sisters: Catherine (Ed) Mytas, Florence (Alvin) Simmons, and Ruth Buettner. He is survived by: one brother, Carl Buettner, of Antigo, WI, and sister-in-law, Genie Buettner of White Lake, WI, and many, many nieces and nephews.

He was baptized on February 20, 1917 by Rev. Stuth, and confirmed on Nov. 6 1932, at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in White Lake. He began school in 1925 at Langlade Public School and graduated from 8th grade.

While growing up, he helped on the family farm along the Wolf River near White Lake, WI, and also worked on the highways for Langlade County. He was especially proud that all 8 of his brothers served in the military and returned home safely.

On a train trip to a Lutheran Walther League convention in Portland, Oregon, he met his wife, Rowena Runzheimer of Wausau. They were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wausau by Rev. LeRoy Koepke on July 22, 1950. She survives him.

Bob & Rowena lived in Wausau, WI their entire married life of 66 years. Bob was employed at Wausau Paper Mills in Brokaw, WI until retirement in 1980. They have 3 children: Sharon (Roger) Hanke in Wausau, WI, Richard in Yorba Linda, CA, and Susan (Mark Zager) near Belguim, WI. They are blessed with 5 grandsons: Bradley (Jamie)Buettner of Wausau, Kyle Buettner in California, Jeremy (Sarah) Hanke in Milan, MI, Michael and Jonathan Zager in Belguim, WI; and also a granddaughter, Kristina (Andrew) Vogt of Denmark, WI. Bob also lived to see 5 great grandchildren: Elissa and Caleb Vogt, Gabrielle Buettner, and James and Amelia Hanke.

Robert was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church on Stewart in Wausau, but also helped start St. Mark Lutheran, Wausau, in the 1950's.


Bob's dedication to the Lutheran Layman's League included holding Zone & District offices and attending 10 international conventions.

Besides LLL, Bob kept busy in many church and community activities: Camp Luther work bees, Brokaw Credit Union Board, Sunrise Optimists, Monarch Lions, Trinity 55 Plus, helping install Trinity's gym floor, and Orphan Grain Train at St. Mark's.

Rowena & Bob loved traveling, visiting all 50 states, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. They also spent several winters in Gulf Shores, AL, and Florida.

Bob also enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening and was the "Lawn Mower Extraordinaire" at his home. He lovingly tended dahlias and picked wonderful raspberries.

After selling their home on West Wausau Avenue in 2010, Bob and Rowena moved to Applegate Terrace Assisted Living in Wausau. The family would like to thank all the caring health employees there, especially during the last 2 months. Also special thanks to Shannon and all the Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Staff for their support in the past month.

The funeral service celebrating Bob's nearly 100 years of blessings and Christian witness will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Stewart in Wausau, WI on Saturday, February 4, at 11:00 am. Pastor Zach Holdorf will officiate. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Lutheran Hour Ministries. Helke Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.