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Gerald R. Buech passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

Born June 3, 1940, to Robert F. and Regina (Dygowski) Buech in Milwaukee, WI. Gerald was known as Jerry or Butch to family.  He lived his childhood in Milwaukee and his adult life in Menasha, summers throughout his life were spent in Poygan – southside of Lake Poygan. After graduating from Marquette HS in Milwaukee in 1958, Gerald attended one year at Marquette University; he then enlisted in the US Army completing service, 1959-62, as a Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of training and ceremonial etiquette.  Following his military service, he began employment with American National Can Co., 1962-1997; exercising his talent with numbers and precision, Gerald completed his Trades degree as a journeyman machinist and truly enjoyed his career – he was good at it! Retiring in 1997 at the age of 57 allowed plenty of time for adventures in which he took full advantage.

Gerald met the love of his life, Nancy A. Kohanski, in 1955; they were 14 and 15 years old, “summer sweethearts”, “cottage kids” - and had many years of good times on Lake Poygan. Gerald and Nancy were married in 1962, just a few months before he completed his military service. They established their home in Menasha, WI.  Together they raised three daughters: Lori, Chris, and Amy.  Continuing a generational tradition, they purchased a cottage on Lake Poygan in 1971 and spent summers fishing and enjoying lake life.

Enjoying life for Gerald included: his precious Lab, Molly; fishing, pheasant and deer hunting, traveling, reading – especially history, smoking cigars, and spending time with family and friends!  Family was so important to him, and he expressed it deeply in recent times. He was grateful for his time on earth and felt very Blessed – “The Man upstairs has been good to me” he said often.

Gerald was often referred to a “walking encyclopedia” in the home; he knew a little (often a lot) about everything; patience was a must if you asked a question because he never gave a short answer!  He was well read, good common sense, and experienced solving most problems and fixing things.  He shared his talent, and if you were willing to listen and learn – he would teach you!  Gerald was great at telling jokes – some good, some not-so-good, but he always managed to make people laugh. His buddies at the YMCA, his neighbors, even his caregivers this past year, knew he was never short of telling a good joke!

Gerald will be missed, but he leaves me (us) with Love, Strength, Courage, and Humor.  I LOVE You Dad!!!

Gerald is survived by three daughters: Lori (Jim) Imlay, Chris (Steve) Brown, Amy Buech; 11 grandchildren: (Lori’s) Regina Pilot, Tobyn (Kaylie) Pilot, Allison Pilot, Ambrose Imlay, Joshua Imlay, Kal Imlay, Rachel Imlay; (Chris’s) Gerad Lee, Joelle (Ryan) Jones; (Amy’s) Shaed Buech; eight great-grandchildren; as well as his siblings, Judy (Rich) Marchewka, Dave (Dee) Buech, Bob (Michelle) Buech, Rose (Jim) Luebke; sisters-in-law, Betty Mutza and Kathie Hinske; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbors, and friends.

Gerald was preceded in death by his lovely wife, Nancy Ann (Kohanski) Buech; parents, Robert and Regina Buech; in-laws, John and Helen Kohanski; sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and John Goska; brothers-in-law, Jerry Mutza and Dean Hinske.

A visitation will be on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home 904 E. Main St. Winneconne.  A service will be held at 3:00 p.m. with full military honors to follow.

If you wish, please submit online condolences/memories to muellerfh.net.