F.M. "Francis" Buetzer

F.M. “Francis” Buetzer, age 94 died peacefully in his sleep on December 12, 2017 in Henderson, NV.
He was born on July 8, 1923 on the Buetzer family farm in New Liberty Township, Holt County, Missouri to John Wesley Buetzer and Winifred (Allen) Buetzer. He was the fifth of their seven children (Lucille Lazzarini , Edith Anno, Carol Norris, Allen, Francis, June Milne, and Russell).
He was preceded in death by his parents; all six siblings; his wife, Dorothy Fitzgerald; and two dearly beloved grandchildren, Matt and Melinda Berry.
Francis graduated from Oregon High School in 1941. He married Dorothy Fitzgerald in Atchison, Kansas on October 19, 1941, and they became parents of three children.
Survivors include his children, Pamela (Louis) Kreiser of Eagle River, AK, Kim Berry of Henderson, NV, and Eric (Carol) Buetzer of Topeka, KS; grandchildren, Chad (Christina) Kreiser, Joseph Berry, Sara (Glendon) Wilhelm, Casey (Phil) Green and Ryan (Elizabeth) Buetzer; and eight great-grandchildren, Alex Kreiser, Mason Kreiser, Gavin Wilhelm, Kinley Wilhelm, Zoey Green, Miles Green, Grey Buetzer and Hayes Buetzer.
Francis entered the Army Air Force on Sept. 18, 1943. He proudly served overseas as a turret gunner in B-24’s, serving in nine campaigns and completing 25 missions. His plane was shot down twice, once behind enemy lines where the crew were rescued by an underground group. He was honorably discharged Sept. 15, 1945. Medals awarded to him included nine Bronze Stars, an Air Medal GO #186 and a Good Conduct Medal.
Following the war Francis was employed briefly by Quaker Oats Company before becoming an agent/telegrapher with Missouri Pacific Railroad. He retired from the railroad after 45 years of employment. He was a member of the VFW, the Gold Prospectors of America Association, and the Masonic Lodge.
Some of his numerous hobbies included gardening, mushroom hunting, prospecting, traveling, attending auctions, remodeling old houses, and buying vintage cars. He loved listening to music, and even wrote and published a love song in 1949. Over the years he and Dorothy traveled the country, but were both particularly impressed with Alaska, making seven road trips to that state. Francis was extremely proud of his grandchildren, spending considerable time with them.
Memorial services with military rites: Saturday August 11, 2018, 1:00 pm, Chamberlain Funeral Home, Oregon. Family reception: The King and Proud Roadhouse, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, following the services. Private family inurnment: Maple Grove Cemetery. Memorials: The Holt County Museum and Research Center or the VFW.