Joe Buechler, of Richland, WA, who would have turned 84 on May 30th, died unexpectedly on May 6th at Kadlec Hospital. He was born on a farm in Emmons Co., ND. He was one of 10 children born to Frank and Mary Zahn Buechler. When Joe was 9 years old the family moved to Montana. Joe proudly served his country in the US Army. Corporal Buechler was stationed in Seoul Korea as a tank mechanic and company clerk from 1950-1952. He often entertained us with his Radar O'Riley type stories. In 1957, Joe married Donna Templin. They eventually settled in Rapelje, MT where Joe managed the Co-Op station for 7 years before moving to Big Timber, MT. There he worked as an ASE certified Ford Mechanic. He continued with his patriotism and served as the commander of the American Legion. In 1977 the traveling bug hit once again. He and Donna packed up and moved to Colville, WA where he continued working as a mechanic until he retired in 1989. In 2001, Joe finally planted his final roots in Richland, WA.

Joe left behind Donna, his wife of 54 years, daughters Joni Aalgaard Barry of Richland and Tacine Schuyler Richard of Pasco, 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, siblings Mary Staudinger Joliet, MT, Virginia Cox Billings, MT, Helen Beehler Bismark ND and Frank Buechler Fromberg, MT along with many nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Tefil, Carl and Al and sisters Elizabeth Geitzfreid and Theresa Fisher.

"Hey Joooooe" We're going to miss you!

A celebration of Joe's life will be held at Einan's Event Center on Thursday May 12 at 2pm. Internment will be in Red Lodge, Montana.