Merle Dean Buzek was born June 16, 1929, to Milo E. Buzek and Mildred H. (Hines) Buzek in Milligan. He passed away Aug. 14, 2024, at the Fillmore County Hospital at the age of 95 years, 1 month and 29 days.
He attended rural school district southwest of Milligan and then attended Milligan High School, graduating in 1946. On April 19, 1949, he was united in marriage to Betty Jean (Kotas) and to them, two children were born, Marlon Ray and Deborah Jean.
Merle was proud of his Czech heritage and the town of Milligan. He spent 38 years as a custodian and bus driver at Milligan Public Schools, 15 years on the Milligan Auditorium Board, 21 years on the Bohemian National Cemetery board and maintained the cemetery grounds at the Kasak cemetery for 16 years. He was also on the Milligan Fire Department, the Milligan village board and an EMT.
He was recently honored as a 75-year member of the Milligan United Methodist Church. He was the church’s oldest member and the oldest male resident of Milligan.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, woodworking, cards, dominos and dancing. He loved to travel and enjoyed family vacations. His family was the most important thing in his life. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, of 65 years; his father, Milo Buzek; mother, Mildred (Hines); father-in-law and mother-in-law Henry P. and Mae F. Kotas; brother-in-law, Henry Bigelow; sisters, Roma Bigelow and Kathy Rischling; and great-nephew Dean Kassik.
He is survived by his brother-in laws, Reenlee Kotas and Dick Rischling; his son, Marlon (Judy) Buzek; daughter, Deborah (Michael) Kassik; grandchildren, Heather (Eric) Lindsley, Chad (Stephanie) Buzek, Jaymie (Russ) Sebek, Jennifer (Greg) Rutherford, Julie (Scott) Koethe, Justina (Travis) Yound; great-grandchildren, Grant and Logan Lindsley, Tara and Tori Buzek, Makenna, Carter and Cole Sebek, Kennedy and Hudson Rutherford, Olive, Ruby and Oscar Koethe, Weston, Palmer and Griffin Yound; step-great-grandchildren, Erika (Keith Calhoun) Rutherford, Dolan (Lisa) Rutherford and Cal Rutherford; step-great-great grandchildren, Georgia Calhoun and Rhylan Rutherford; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The funeral service was Aug. 17 at the Milligan Auditorium with Lay Pastor Michelle Lessard presiding.
There were three special music selections for Merle’s funeral service, “Wedding Ring Waltz” by Ernie Kucera, “Amazing Grace” by Alan Jackson and “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” by Rosemary Siemens. Casket bearers included Chad Buzek, Eric Lindsley, Russ Sebek, Travis Yound, Jan Rischling and Mark Bigelow. Honorary casket bearers were Greg Rutherford, Scott Koethe and Steve Briske.
Graveside Services were conducted following the funeral service at the Bohemian National Cemetery in Milligan. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Milligan Auditorium, Milligan United Methodist Church or to the family to be designated at a later date in Merle's name. Arrangements by Farmer & Son Funeral Home.
