Donald Buchholz

Donald Julius Buchholz, age 88 of Westfield passed away peacefully Saturday, July 25, 2015 at Tivoli in Portage. Don was born at home on the family farm in the town of Springfield, Marquette County on November 29, 1926 to Julius and Mary (Henke) Buchholz. He was baptized and confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Springfield and later graduated from Westfield High School in 1944. He worked on the family farm before furthering his education at the University of Wisconsin in Madison and graduating with a degree in Agriculture in 1951. In college, Don was a member of the Delta Theta Sigma Fraternity which we was very proud of. Also while in college, he met Ruby Edwards and while he was on leave from the service the two were united in marriage on September 27, 1952. Don served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War; he was honorably discharged in 1953. Ruby preceded Don in death in January of 1991. He later married Mary Carvello and together they enjoyed their later years together.
After serving his country, Don returned home to farm with his father and eventually he purchased the family farm and also several other farms in the area. He was always a steward of the land, improving it in any way possible. Don served on the Westfield School Board for 25 years and was honored to be able to present each of his five children with their diploma, he served on the Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service Board of 35 years, he was a Crystal Lake Utica Insurance Agent and Dekalb seed dealer for 35 years as well as serving on the Springfield Immanuel Lutheran Church Board from 1967 until its closing in 1995 and one term after combining in Westfield. He was a charter member of the Springfield Fire Department and an active member of the American Legion in Westfield for over 60 years and was one of people who started to the famous popcorn wagon that is still in use today. Other hobbies included: Jolly Squares square dancing, traveling and camping. In his later years, he spent his winters in Texas but couldn’t wait to return to the farm in the spring.
Don is survived by his wife, Mary and five children: Diane Hahn of Madison, James (Susan), Robin (Kathy), Dennis (Gina) and Jeff (Lisa) Buchholz all of Westfield as well as thirteen grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters: Hilda, Elda and Frieda as well as Mary’s family and numerous nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Ruby, grandson, Chris Buchholz and four brothers: infant twins, Harvey and Harry and Arnold and Harold. He is also preceded in death by several brothers-in-law.
A funeral service for Don will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Westfield. Visitation will be held at the church 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service. Rev. Gary Schultz will officiate and burial with full military honors by the Westfield Area Veterans will follow the service at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, town of Springfield. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the family for a memorial that is being established in Don’s name.
Steinhaus-Holly Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Westfield is serving the family. www.steinhaushollyfuneralhome.com