Carl A. Buettner

On April 28, 2022 Carl Buettner went to his heavenly home at age 96 years of age. Carl August Buettner was born on March 9, 1926 in White Lake, WI to August and Elsie (Sperberg) Buettner. He was the last surviving son, one of 12 children in the family. Preceding him in death were his brothers: Robert (Rowena), Casper (Jeannette) Arnold (Helen), Herbert (Geni), Ruben (Betty), Ramon “Mickey” (Shirley), August Jr. “Turk” (Judy), and Alfred “Fritz” , and sisters Catherine (Ed) Mytas, Florence (Alvin) Simmons, and Ruth Buettner. Carl talked often about his escapades with his siblings. They created miniature farm scapes in the crawl space under their front porch. They used sticks to turn left-over potatoes in the field into projectiles. They would create whistles from dandelion stems or flutes from basswood trees. Life with all those siblings was always eventful. Also preceding him in death was his son, David Buettner. He is survived by his sons Robert (Shellee), Michael, and Daniel (Kelly), and daughters Barbara (Terry) Murray, Charlene (Owen) Clayton, and Colleen (Bob) Kupfer. Carl was a loving, wonderful father. He built an elaborate backyard with a treehouse, tire swing, double-decker slide, rope swing and fire pit, where many neighbor kids spent hours of their after-school time. He took the kids on walks on the railroad tracks, packed lunches in hand and walking to the creek behind Loppnow’s drug store where crayfish were caught. During the summer, he took the whole family fishing at Mayer’s lake, coming home with bushel baskets full of fish that he working into the night to filet. He encouraged exploration of the natural world. In addition, Carl had many beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He loved telling his “fractured” fairytales, that jumbled up many different tales into a new, exciting version. He provided art projects for the little ones to do during the annual 4th of July family gathering. He was known to sing or tell jokes around the campfire. They all looked forward to any time they could spend with grandpa Carl. He was a proud WWII veteran, having served in the 3rd Army, 15th Army and 22nd Corps. He loaded the big howitzers, which is how he lost his hearing. He volunteered to be the permanent cook so he didn’t have to do that job. Carl was a lifelong member of the American Legion. After he returned from the war, he worked for McCandless & Zobel furniture and funeral establishment. Carl and his first wife Eunice moved to Thiensville when he was offered a teaching job in the Mequon-Thiensville School District, where he was employed for 30 years. His goal was to be become an art teacher and he worked diligently to earn that role. He was particularly proud of his “environmental education” classes at Camp Minikani. He required his students to find art materials outdoors with which they made projects. Carl married his second wife, Dianne and raised her children as his own. Deanna (Jonathon) Denise (Ned), and Dean (Sharon) loved him as their only father. Carl was an extraordinary artist and craftsman. Many of his paintings that hang in the White Lake Museum depict historical locations in the town. He turned to crafting as he got older, depicting animals and scenery on fungus, making pioneer women doing all sorts of chores in his “Pioneer Spirit” series and inventing his “nutivities”, a creche made of all natural materials. When the weather was good, he would be out picking up pinecones, leaves and other materials for his crafts. Carl was a kind and gentle soul. He loved his family dearly and will be missed by all. A time for visitation will take place on May 21, 2022 at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. A remembrance service will follow at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Carl will then be honored with military honors being performed by the White Lake American Legion Auxiliary at the funeral home, following the remembrance service. Strasser-Roller Funeral Home is assisting the family. Friends may leave condolences online at strasserrollerfuneralhome.com.