Obituaries

February 21, 1920 to October 4, 2011

MEDARYVILLE - Walter John Buczek, 91, Medaryville, died Tuesday, Oct. 4, at 5:45 p.m., at Jasper County Hospital, Rensselaer.

He was born Feb. 21, 1920, in Calumet City, IL, to the late John and Tillie Pierszala Buczek.

Survivors include:
Wanda J. Jeleniewski Buczek, Medaryville, Wife
Patricia J. Osbourn, New Hope, PA, Daughter
David W. (Jean) Buczek, Rensselaer, Son
Nancy D. (Wesley) Jones, Kokomo, Daughter
James A. (Sheila) Buczek, Medaryville, Son
John R. Buczek, Medaryville, Son
Amy Osbourn Perniciaro, Granddaughter
Nicole Jones Babey, Granddaughter
Regina Buczek Hoeferlin, Granddaughter
Jobina Buczek (Brandon) Roberts, Granddaughter
Marc (Angela) Jones, Grandson
Adam Buczek, Grandson
Erica Buczek (Jeff) Mandsager, Granddaughter
Derek Buczek, Grandson
14 Great-Grandchildren
Joan Nalepa, Arlington, VA  Sister
Harriet Dokulil, Lowell, Sister
Marion Ogrodowski, Munster, Sister

He was preceded in death by
John Buczek, Jr., Brother

Mr. Buczek grew up in Hammond. As a teen, he bicycled with a friend to Medaryville, where he met his friend's uncle, Henry Bush. During high school, he worked nights in a book binding factory. He worked at Pullman Standard Company at the time of his entry into the military. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943 and was stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA. He was a staff sargeant as a mechanical instructor and was later deployed to Okinawa. While stationed at Ft. Lewis, he met Wanda Jeleniewski. He was the best man and Wanda was the maid of honor in her brother's wedding. They first met on the steps of the cathedral as they entered the church. They were married six weeks later on Nov. 25, 1944 in Portland, OR just before he was deployed to Okinawa.

Following his discharge from the Army, Mr. Buczek, the city boy, expressed his passion for farming. The couple moved to Lowell in 1946 to begin his career in farming and animal husbandry. In 1953, Henry Bush informed him of land available in Medaryville. In Decemeber 1953, Walter and Wanda bought "The Old Horse Ranch". It had 360 acres of which only 60 acres were cleared. They cleared an additional 140 acres to build their farm and raise their family.

Mr. Buczek was a lifetime member of St. Henry's Catholic Church in Medaryville. He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He worked behind the scenes many decades at the Winamac Knights of Columbus Sunday BINGO. He was a member of the Polish National Alliance, the National Farmers Organization, and was a former Eagle. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 98 & Lion's Club in Medaryville. He achieved his dream of having his own farm. He loved sharing the outdoors with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel Medaryville. A rosary service will be at 6;45 p.m., and a a scriptural wake service will folow at 7 p.m. A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m.,Saturday (Oct. 8), at St. Henry's Catholic Church, Medaryville, with Rev. Paul White officiating. Burial will be in the White Post Cemetery, Medaryville. Military graveside services will be conducted by the American Legion.

Memorial donations may be given to the West Central Scholarship Fund, Catholic Charities or the Charity of the donor's choice.