Edward John Buenger

Heritage:

Ed was born December 14, 1924, in Mapleton, Iowa to Ernest Buenger and Emma Buenger (Kruse). Both of his parents were born in Germany and immigrated with his grandparents to the United States as infants at the turn of the 20th century.

Survived by:

Ed is survived by his: sons Edward Dennis Buenger (1948) of Fort Collins, Douglas Buenger (1949) (Susan) of Colorado Springs, Brett Buenger (1961) (Kathy) of Loveland, daughter Laura Vaughn (Buenger) (1955) (Michael deceased) of Spartanburg, SC; grandchildren Dwight, Derek (Megan), Jennifer, Margarette (John), Richard, Ian; great grandchildren Michael, Samantha, Logan, Aiden and Owen, niece Suzanne Miller (Stewart Mossman). He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Elaine Alberta Buenger (Ketelsen), sister Edna Miller (Buenger), of San Diego and his beloved aunt and uncle, Elsie and John Kruse.

Lived:

Ed moved to Loveland, CO in 1977 from Colorado Springs, CO. He lived in Colorado Springs from 1955 to 1977, Charter Oak, IA 1933 to 1955, and Mapleton, IA from birth to 1933.

Work and Occupations:

Ed began as a farmer and in his heart remained a farmer all his life. While many chores were done with a tractor Ed chose to use a team of large draft horses (Tom and Jerry). He was drafted for service during WWII but was not accepted because he had Polio. After a significant financial loss he and Elaine decided to move to Colorado Springs in 1955. With two boys, $500 and a small trailer behind their 1950 Pontiac they started over. While in Colorado Springs he worked in the Crissy Fowler lumber yard, delivered for Snow White Laundry, was a salesman for Daniels Chevrolet, Johnson Pontiac, and Bob Foss Mercury, worked dock and delivery for Sinton’s Dairy, was a driver for Schooler’s Sand & Gravel, property assessor for El Paso County, and sold classified ads for the Gazette Telegraph. Ed was a bus driver for the city of Loveland. In 1978 he started a lawn care business which he continued until he retired at age 75. Together Ed and Elaine mowed more than 10 acres of lawn every week on twin John Deere mowers.

Hobbies and loves:

Ed loved the Lord, his family, riding mower, Boston Terriers, woodworking, his replica farm equipment and model die cast cars.

Religion, education and clubs:

Ed was brought up in the Lutheran Church and after marriage attended Evangelical Reform/United Church of Christ. He remained a believer all his life and loved Jesus our Lord.

Personality traits and anecdotes:

Dad was loving, caring and wanted the best for all those around him. While strong willed and opinionate, he was a man of few words. In his later years, due to blindness and difficulty hearing, he enjoyed sitting outside in the summer shade or inside in the winter sun. He and mom would admit that while not everything was roses, they remained faithful and loving toward one another for 68 years.

How he died:

Ed began losing weight in the months preceding his death. In October, Ed was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and admitted into home hospice care. We had time to talk to him and say our goodbyes before he became unable to communicate.

Memorial Services:

A memorial service will be held January 6, 2016, 1:30pm at Crossroads Church, Loveland, and inurnment in Mapleton, IA at a later date. View the online obituary, send condolences and sign the family guest book at www.allnutt.com.