Ralph T. Buettner

Ralph T. Buettner, 78, of Waterloo, IL, died December 11, 2020, in Red Bud, IL. He was born October 1, 1942, near Burksville, IL at the family farm.

He is survived by his children Debra (Daniel) Row, Vickie Buettner, Keith Buettner, and Lisa (Gerald) Koerkenmeier; grandsons Dustin Row, Samuel (Omar) Row, Lucas (Kristina) Row, Shawnn Row, and Zachary (Hillary) Buettner; great grandchildren Charlie, Eva, Brock, DeniRaye, Chase, and  baby Buettner due in May;  extended family Jaime (Jason) Becker and their sons Connor, Griffen, and Jackson, Scott and Danielle Koerkenmeier and their children Brileigh, Bryce, Bennett; sister-in-law Betty (Robert) Holste; sister-in-law Iris Buettner; nieces, nephews; cousins; and special friend Iris Munsell.

Ralph is preceded in death by his wife of nearly 60 years Karen M. Buettner nee Prange on June 21, 2019; parents Victor and Magdalena (nee Straub) Buettner Sr.; brothers Victor Buettner Jr., Roger (Shirley) Buettner, and Paul Buettner in infancy.

Ralph was an electrician all his life.  He and his wife owned their former business Design Electric in Columbia. He was a 57 year member of IBEW #309. He was also known for his love of nature. He belonged to the Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District and was awarded Conservationist of the Year in 2008. He was a charter member and former board director  of Clifftop.  In 2012, he was awarded Outstanding Volunteer of the Year by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. In the same year, he was awarded the Illinois Conservationist of the Year Award in Springfield, lL.

            He was a devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather as well.  Ralph was a member  of
Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wartburg.

As an expression of sympathy the family prefers memorial contributions to: 
Songs 4 Soldiers, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, or Clifftop

Private Graveside Services will be held at a later date at Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery in Wartburg, IL