David Buchheit

Of Arlington Heights

David L. Buchheit was born on February 16, 1941, in Springfield, Illinois, to Russel William and Irene (nee Moorman) Buchheit. He died Thursday, April 1, 2021, at the Lutheran Home in Arlington Heights, Illinois, with his oldest daughter, Ruth, lovingly at his side.

David attended Trinity Lutheran Church and School and Springfield High School. He graduated from Illinois State University at Normal in 1963 with a degree in physical science and mathematics. One of his favorite memories of his time in college was playing cards with the guys after hours in the dining hall because the staff would leave them milk and cookies. Right before graduating, David met Mary Klickman in an elevator on his way to his job as a switchboard operator. It was a match made in heaven as they met up again attending a Lutheran Club meeting and so began the story of our family. 1963 was an eventful year. Not only did Dave meet Mary, but they moved to Arlington Heights, bought their first home (a trailer), Dave started teaching at Forest View High School and they became active members of St. Peter Lutheran Church.

Dave and Mary were truly a match made in heaven. Mary always said she and her sisters only brought home one guy and my dad was the one for her. Dave doted on Mary. She was the love of his life. She proudly changed her name to Buchheit and they spent a lifetime traveling around the country researching our family history. Our last name literally means book, small animal. This embodied who they were. They loved to learn and were insatiably curious, true bookworms. They instilled that curiosity, that love of learning in everyone they met. They created an incredibly sheltered upbringing and encouraged their daughters to be fiercely independent, to believe in themselves and others, to look for all that is good and travel the world. Dave and Mary loved to travel and could often be found enjoying all that God created in our national parks. They also treasured spending time with their family and friends while having great conversations over a meal or going to live theater. They especially loved their grandchildren and took infinite pride supporting them in their endeavors. Dave and Mary could often be sighted sporting the boys school or team colors while they attended their school functions and cheered them on at their athletic events.

Dave built his life around protecting and providing for his family. He was dedicated to making the world a better place and lifting up those around him. Dave was an eternal optimist, always looking at the bright side and had an abundance of hope in his heart. He loved watching historical and Sci-Fi movies/television shows and enjoyed musicals and music. Dave was always up for a card game and could often be found with a group of friends playing bridge or cribbage with his pocket protector, note cards and paper clips in his pocket. Dave was always prepared and planned everything. He loved numbers and watching the market just like his dad. He was good natured, never complained and always made time to help others. He loved to tell stories and dorky clean jokes that always charmingly fit the moment. He had an amazing perspective and offered it to those who asked. He was not one to give unsolicited advice, but was wise with his words. He enjoyed a deep faith in God, family trips and educating himself and others. Besides family, Dave’s other passion in life was teaching. He was the consummate educator.

Before retiring, Mr. Buchheit was a science teacher for High School Dist. 214 for 31 years in the classroom. His teaching career with D214 lasted a full 50 years. Throughout the 70’s and 80’s, you could often find the whole Buchheit family spending Friday nights at Forest View High School (FVHS) football and basketball games and repeating the experience at Buffalo Grove High School (BGHS) on Saturdays. Dave and Mary were the ticket sellers; Ruth and Bonnie would help out in concessions. Dave started teaching at FVHS the year it opened until the school was closed in 1986. He finished his day-teaching career at Elk Grove High School (EGHS) in 1994. Dave was a lifelong learner, an educator and took pride in helping others be their best. Dave continued to be a supervisor at the Adult/Community Education Program (night school) at FVHS (now referred to as the Forest View Educational Center) until 2013. Highlights of his career included work for the State of Illinois Highway Department as a chemist; establishing the Chess Team at FVHS and being the Chess Team Coach at both FVHS and EGHS. He was one of a small handful of educators that was certified to teach any level/any age group and was very proud of his All Levels Teaching Certificate. David's educational background includes National Science Academic at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 1986; Dreyfus/ Woodrow Wilson Master Teacher Fellow at The University of Chicago - Summer, 1991; District 214 Community Education Award; and served for three years on the IHSA Chess Advisory Committee.

Dave was a long-time and active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Arlington Heights, where he served on the Youth Board, School Board, as secretary and Senior Ministry. He and his late wife, Mary, were also active in the church choir and supporting the school’s various activities. He was also a board member of Catholic Charities and Thrivent.

David is survived by his daughters, Ruth (Chris) Gagliano, and; Bonnie (Rob) Foster and his grandsons, Ben and John Foster.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ruth Buchheit; his sister Joan Osborne, and his parents.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 7th, 2021, from 11:30 a.m. until time of funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 West Olive Street, Arlington Heights, Illinois. Interment Memory Gardens, Arlington Heights, Illinois. Those wishing to view the recording of David's funeral service may do so by watching at https://youtu.be/hBgHGv1uG64.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive Street, Arlington Heights, IL, 60004 .

Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com or (847) 253-0168.