Obituaries

October 9, 1926 to May 28, 2015

RENSSELAER - Elmer Jay Bucher, 88, of Rensselaer passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, May 28.

He was born Oct. 9, 1926 in LaCrosse, the son of the late Albert J. and Marie (Stortz) Bucher. On Dec. 30, 1951, he married Betty "Peg" Marti who preceded him in death on July 5, 1983.

Surviving are his daughters, Linda (John) Hodel of Roanoke, IL, Mary (Mark) Huber of Bloomington, IL, Rebecca Barnes of Lafayette, and Elaine (Jeff) Sanders of Rensselaer; one son, James Bucher of Ft. Wayne; 9 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Ken (Carol) Bucher of Valparaiso.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Nancy, one grandchild, one great-grandchild and 12 siblings.

Mr. Bucher was raised in LaCrosse where he graduated from LaCrosse High School with the Class of 1943. He was a retired farmer who was commonly referred to as "The Sandman" as he sold and delivered sand to many people over the years. He enjoyed working with wood and especially enjoyed making wooden stools, loved to play Scrabble and to attend activities at the Senior Citizen's Center.

For seven years Mr. Bucher served as the administrator at Parkview Haven in Francesville. He was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church of Francesville, and was a past board member of Timber Ridge Apostolic Christian Home for the Handicapped. He was a Habitat for Humanity volunteer for many years, a member of the Jasper County Hospital Auxiliary and most recently received training to be a Hospice Volunteer.

Friends will be received at the Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer Sunday, from 1 until 5 p.m. CDT. Funeral services will be held at the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville on Monday, June 1, at 10 a.m. EDT. Burial will follow at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville.

Memorial donatons may be made to the Jasper County Hospital Home Healthcare and Hospice or the Timber Ridge Apostolic Christian Home for the Handicapped.

Share memories and condolences at www.jacksonfuneral.com