Al Buechler

Al Buechler, 72, of Monroe died Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, at Skiff Hospice in Newton.

The family will greet friends at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Monroe American Legion to celebrate Al's life. Memorials may be directed to the Monroe Fire Department or Animal Lifeline of Iowa. Condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com.

The son of Peter and Elizabeth (Holzer) Buechler, Al was born on June 20, 1940, in Hague, N.D. He graduated from St. Aloysius School in North Dakota. On Feb. 28, 1985, he was united in marriage to Janice Balmer at Elk Point, South Dakota. Al owned and operated lawn care, snow removal, sharpening and furniture upholstery businesses. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in the past served on the Monroe City Council. Al was known for his compassion for his family and community members and his love of animals.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Janice Balmer; a sister, Anna (Tomas) Santos of Cocoa Beach, Fla.; a brother John (Alice) Buechler of Minot, N.D.; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. Preceding him in death were his parents; three sisters, Marianna Zacher, Elizabeth Scherr and Clara Zahn; and three brothers, Ferdinand, Carl and Martin Buechler.