Wayne "Tom" Bucher
Wayne Thomas Bucher “Tom,” age 85, passed away on June 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on May 16, 1940, to Keith and Alaine (Giese) Bucher.
Tom served in the US Army and was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, in the early 1960s.When he returned home, he married his high school sweetheart, Donna (Hinkley).
He joined the Fond du Lac Fire Department, serving his community as a firefighter until his retirement in 1993. He was also a founding member of the Fond du Lac Evening Lions Club.
After he retired at the young age of 53, Tom spent more than three decades enjoying life with his wife, Donna, and their cats at their beautiful home “Up North” in Phelps, WI. To both Tom and Donna, the lakefront cabin has always been paradise. While Tom enjoyed the quiet, he welcomed visitors with open arms.
When he wasn’t cruising around on his four-wheeler, boat, or snowmobile, Tom could be found traveling, camping, stoking a fire, fishing, hunting, golfing, participating in his local snowmobile club, grooming trails, hosting deer camp, and at the end of the day, winding down watching Lawrence Welk.
He taught his six granddaughters how to fish—baiting their hooks and taking off their bass, well into adulthood. He made sure no one missed cocktail hour, a tradition they joined with kiddie cocktails and extra cherries. He taught them to gamble, requiring quarter buy-ins (at minimum) for every game. Grandpa Bucher knew how to have fun.
Tom was a dependable neighbor and a reliable friend. In the afternoons, you’d find “Buch” at the local watering hole, catching up on the latest Phelps gossip and putting a few bucks into the slot machines. He’ll be remembered for his sarcastic remarks and his smirky side smile. He often said so much by saying so little. He was always prepared to tell you a good story or beat you in a game of cribbage.
Most importantly, Tom was a tremendous son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was our gentle giant. Though he didn’t always put it into words, he cared fiercely for the people he loved.
Tom is survived by his wife of 63 years, Donna; his daughter, Amy (Steve) Riley; son, Jeff (Sherri) Bucher; six granddaughters, Tori (Mark) Misudek, Sarah Riley (James), Emily (Brian) Brookover, Laura Riley (Devon), Megan (Spencer) Jones, and Katie (Dillon) Bucher; four great-grandchildren, Hayley, Thomas, Logan, and Natalie; one sister, Kathy (Bill) Ames; and brother, Stephen John (Trish) Bucher; countless “honorary kids and grandkids,” friends of his children and granddaughters who visited over the years; and many other friends and family.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Alaine Bucher; Donna’s parents, Howard and Theresa Hinkley; one sister, Barbara Ann Pino; and three brothers, Keith “Dick” Bucher, James E. Bucher, and Bill Bucher, along with Bill’s wife, Louann.
Tom’s family would like to thank the caregivers at Frontida Assisted Living: Adelaide Place, Harbor Haven Health & Rehab, and SSM Health Hospice Home of Hope.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Tom’s family asks that you enjoy a vodka martini (or kiddie cocktail) in his honor at 5 PM. It’s cocktail hour, after all.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local Lions Club or the charity of your choice.
Kurki Funeral Chapel & Crematory is serving the family; on-line guestbook can be found at www.kurkifuneralchapel.com. PAID OBITUARY
