Howard Buckli

VISITATION:

4-7 p.m., Wednesday, December 21 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls and from 10-11 a.m., Thursday at New Life, Open Bible Church, 11790 17th Ave, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

SERVICE:

11 a.m., Thursday at New Life, Open Bible Church, 11790 17th Ave, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

Howard Louis Buckli, 91, of Chippewa Falls, village of Lake Hallie, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family and friends on Thursday, December 15, 2016.

Howard was born on February 2, 1925 in Eau Claire to Helen (Brinkman) and Louis Buckli. He grew up in Eau Claire and attended Memorial High School. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps and served from 1942-46, during WWII. He served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater in the 481st Amphibious Truck Company.

Following his honorable discharge, Howard returned to Eau Claire where he worked at Martin Motors, then Uniroyal.

On June 29, 1952, he married Norrine Niblett at St. John's Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. In 1957, Howard was hired at the US Post Office and worked as a letter carrier until his retirement in 1984.

In his younger days, Howard enjoyed roller skating and riding motorcycles. Once his children were born, he enjoyed fishing; being outdoors; duck hunting with his hunting buddy, Bob Shafer and best friend/canine companion Abbott; and many memorable camping trips with his family. He was a dedicated and faithful member of New Life Open Bible Church in Hallie.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Norrine of Hallie; seven children, Jeff (Deb), Gregory (Denise), all of Chippewa Falls, Anthony (Cathy) of Los Angeles, Calif., Mark, Randall, Kevin, all of Chippewa Falls, and Christine (Todd) Bedwell of Ham Lake, Minn.; a half-sister, Joanne (Chuck) Smelser of Missouri; 19 grandchildren, Matthew (Naomi), Jason (Jessica Jo), Alexander, Jeremiah, Selena, Elizabeth, Kameron, Kyleigh, Braylon, Landon, and Delaney Buckli, Amanda (Josh) Arebalo, Brandon (Courtney Oglevie), Benjamin (Emmilee), Justin, Alexis (Chris Toledo Mendoza), and Kaitlyn Buckli, Samuel and Logan Tonia; three great-grandchildren, Andrew, Austynn and Olivia; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Shirley in infancy; a teenage sister, Doris; brother, Gaylord Buckli; and a sister, Phyllis Shephard.

A memorial celebration of Howard's life will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, December 22 at New Life, Open Bible Church, 11790 17th Ave, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 (Hallie) with Rev. Scott Emerson officiating. Burial with military honors conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, December 21 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls and one hour prior to the service Thursday at the church.

Memorials in Howard's honor may be designated to New Life Open Bible Church, 11790 17th Ave, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729; or to the Citizens United Foundation, PO Box 96408, Washington DC, 20090-6408, which is a foundation dedicated to informing the American people about public policy issues which relate to and uphold traditional American values.