Buechel, William Roger

William Roger Buechel, 82, of Cedar Rapids, died early Monday morning, Nov. 5, 2012, after a sudden illness. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9, at St. Jude Catholic Church by the Rev. Mark Ressler. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday with a Vigil service beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the church. Military Honors will be presented by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 788. Burial will be at St Joseph Cemetery.

Bill was born Oct. 8, 1930, in Guttenberg Iowa, the son of Henry Felix Buechel and Rose Marie (Junk) Buechel. He was the youngest of seven children. At 17 years old, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean conflict. Upon his return, he attended the University of Iowa and studied business. He was united in marriage on Dec. 29, 1956, in Guttenberg, to Donna Jean Kottke, the love of his life for 46 years. Bill and Donna moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where Bill started his business career in the insurance industry. He later became the owner and president of Buechel Insurance Agency, a family run Independent Insurance Agency for 36 years. Bill continued to work up until his death.

Bill was one of the original minds behind the St Jude's Sweet Corn Festival and chaired the first festival and other festivals. He continued to be involved and instrumental in the success of the festival to date.

Bill is survived by his three children, Scott of Cedar Rapids, Sandra (Paul) Lorentzen-Buechel of Minneapolis, Pamela (Matt) Barta of Cedar Rapids; and six grandchildren, Luke and Emma Barta, and Hannah, Tucker, Annee and Tess Lorentzen; a sister-in law, Helene Lammers of Guttenberg; and many adoring nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Donna (2003); his parents, Henry and Rose; brothers, Loren and James; and sisters, Lorraine, Eunice, Rita and Lois.

Bill will be remembered for his witty personality, acts of kindness, perseverance, leadership, and joy and wisdom he causally brought to others.

Online condolences may be left for the family at .

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Published in The Gazette Nov. 7, 2012.