Robert “Bob” W. Buchholtz, age 90, of West Bloomfield, passed away early Thursday morning, March 11, 2021 surrounded by his family.
He was born on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 1930 in Weyauwega, WI, the son of the late Walter and Esther(Boelter) Buchholtz. Like his father and grandfather before him, and his children and grandchildren after him, Bob attended Christ Lutheran School in West Bloomfield. His first few years of school were taught in German, but eventually switched to English by the end of the 1930s. Bob was a lifelong member of Christ Lutheran Church, where he was baptized in 1931 and confirmed on March 25, 1945. He also served in various positions and boards including trustee and school board for many years. After finishing his schooling, Bob worked on the family farm.
On June 25, 1955, Bob married Beverly Rose Beckman at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dale. Every year in June, Bob would proudly wear his blue wedding suit to church in honor of their wedding anniversary and he will proudly wear if for his funeral to meet his beloved Beverly in heaven as she preceded him in death on June 4, 2020. Following their marriage, Bob and Beverly continued farming on the family farm until retiring. Together they served as the AAL branch secretary and treasurer for over 35 years. They also enjoyed traveling all around the world to places including Hawaii, Germany Austria, and many trips to Branson, MO. They also enjoyed a very memorable trip to Paris, France with Bob’s godson, Gale, where they rode the Troop Train and visited many different sites. Bob and Bev also liked to participate in local parades either riding their bicycle built for two or cruising in their 1952 Studebaker.
Bob also took care organizing the lawncare and maintenance at the old Bloomfield Cemetery for many years. Bob enjoyed a good laugh and enjoyed making others smile and laugh, and even had a smiley face painted on his barn. When he was a young child, he taught himself how to juggle while waiting for the wagons to return from the field for unloading. He continued juggling for many years, even juggling two or three eggs in the kitchen. This made Beverly a bit nervous, but the children sure enjoyed it! He also taught himself to ride a unicycle.
Bob also very much enjoyed bowling and continued to do so into his 80s. He won several bowling tournaments and league championships. One of his most memorable highlights was winning the 1964 Bowl A Rama at 41 Bowl in Appleton. He was awarded a gold watch and $100 from sports editor Jim Harp. Bob and his son, Kevin also were 1996 Doubles Tournament Champs at Central Lanes in Waupaca. Bob also enjoyed gun and bow hunting and spending time fishing with his grandsons at their pond, “Lake Beverly”.
Bob is survived by three children, Gary Buchholtz, West Bloomfield; Brenda (Steven) Meier, Omro; and Kevin (Linda) Buchholtz, West Bloomfield; three grandchildren, Lance and Landon Buchholtz and Lidnsey (Steven Peters) Meier; a step-grandson Joseph (Diamon) Oldakowski; a step-granddaughter, Lindsey Oldakowski; two step-great-grandsons, Nolan and Oliver Oldakowski; his brother, Marvin (Joan) Buchholtz, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by a brother, Carl(Doris)Buchholtz.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2021 at Christ Lutheran Church, N6412 State Rd. 49, Weyauwega (Bloomfield). Burial will be in Concordia Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Lewin Funeral Home on Tuesday, from 4-7 p.m. and on Wednesday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. A memorial fund has been established for Christ Lutheran Church.
Bob’s family wishes to extend a very special Thank You to Ascension in Home Hospice Care for their short but wonderful care of dad since March 3. It was greatly appreciated.