Alfred "Fritz" Buettner

Alfred "Fritz" Buettner, born April 24, 1924, was a lifelong member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in White Lake, WI. He departed from his earthly life on June 12, 2013, at age 89. He graduated from White Lake High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Pacific on the island of Okinawa and in the Philippines. After that, he pursued his love of building, taking courses in electric wiring, plumbing, and drafting. He prided himself as an excellent cabinetmaker, and was employed by Neil Sandvidge, working in Oshkosh for many years. When Neil moved to his cottage on the Wolf River, he was hired by Herb Buettner to build the Wild Wolf Inn, overlooking the river, six miles south of Langlade on Highway 55, with Fritz being a crewmember. Fritz never married and was a blessing to the Buettner family of twelve children, caring for their parents when they retired and his handicapped sister, Ruth. Eight of the nine boys served in the military forces during World War II, all returning unharmed. He was a deer hunter and spin fisherman and his favorite recreation was traveling and camping. He built a fifth-wheel camper and took it to Alaska and many trips out west. He enjoyed exploring the forest with his jeep and friends. He knew every logging road in the Crocker Hills and where the best blackberry patches were, and also in the Nine Mile area and the National Forest to the east. Fritz loved music. He played the harmonica and stomp fiddle in several local bands and sang bass in the church choir for many years. He served on the church council as a trustee of the buildings for a long time doing needed repairs. His many friends will miss him but he lived a good long life, he kept his faith in God and won the crown of eternal life. He is survived by a sister Ruth Buettner of Antigo; 3 brothers, Robert (Rowena) Buettner of Wausau, Carl (Dianne) Buettner of Antigo, Herb (Genie) Buettner of White Lake; and many nieces and nephews, including dear friend and nephew Dale Buettner. He was preceded in death by 2 sisters; Florence (Alvin) Simmons and Catherine (Ed) Mytas; 5 brothers; Arnold (Helen), Casper (Jeannette), Ruben (Betty), Raymond (Shirley), and August Jr. (Judy). Funeral services will be held on Monday at 11:00 AM at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in White Lake. Reverend Steven Vaudt will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the service at the church. Burial will be in Langlade Cemetery. Military honors will take place at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Matthew Lutheran Church.