Valerian "Smooch" "Larry" Buchkowski

Valerian “Larry” L. Buchkowski, 72, Hatley, died unexpectedly at Marshfield Medical Center – Weston, on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2022.

He was born on Jan. 6, 1950, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Wausau. Son of the late
Edward and Mary (Przybyski) Buchkowski. He married Maryann Rusch Sept. 10, 2002. She preceded him in death on June 22, 2021.

Smooch was like no other, his generous, smart, kind, and loving heart, his smiles, laughter, and unforgettable personality can never be replaced. Nothing can ever replace Smooch.

His presence truly revealed his love for life. Smooch was a dependable husband, father, brother, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, friend. He certainly didn’t disappoint when it came to wholeheartedly loving his family. He accepted everyone, never having a negative thing to say about anyone. He was always there for everyone through their ups and downs, and taught them to enjoy every moment life has to offer and he’d say the main thing is to “Not get excited.”

Smooch loved his family and friends dearly. Smooch dealt with all experiences in life, managing his illness being multiple myeloma cancer with strength, faith, grace, and the most amazing, positive, attitude, in the world. His final moments of life, he was surrounded by his children and family who adored him more than anything in the world. He enjoyed going for his daily rides to spend time with family and friends, making sure all was well with them. He especially enjoyed spending time with his sisters and sister in-laws and Godson, sharing “one last lightning fast one”

Smooch helped out on his family’s farm and began working with concrete foundations starting early in life in which he retired from. Smooch also really enjoyed bartending, he enjoyed shooting pool, throwing horseshoes, playing cards and “just shooting the breeze”

Larry is survived by his children; Loyd Buchkowski, Brenda (Clint) Cebula and Jill (Kevin) Damask, Kristine (Andrew) Trotter, Brent (Melissa) Obernberger, Six Grandchildren: Mitchell, Elizabeth Krause, and Carter Buchkowski, Nathanel Scheider, Brennan, Rowan, and Corbin Obernberger, and great-grandson: Jaycen Scheider; his sisters, Natalie Wilkowski, Julie (Dennis) Meiska, sister in-laws Jane Buchkowski, Lucille Buchkowski, Gail Buchkowski, Yvonne Wilkowski, and Dorthy (Art) Tautges. Brother and sister in-law James and Deborah Kleman. God children: Tommy (Nicole) Buchkowski, Amy (Steve) Hartlich numerous nieces, and nephews, great nieces, and nephews, great-great nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by Parents Edward and Mary (Przybylski) Buchkowski, Siblings: Lawerance (Rusty) Buchkowski, Norman Buchkowski, James Buchkowski, Infant brother Norbert Buchkowski. Former in-laws Clarence and Jeanette Kurth, Brothers In-law George Wilkowski, Edwin Wilkowski

A special thank you to Yvonne Wilkowski for caring for and taking Larry to appointments and to all supporting family and friends. Thank you to Nick Ficken with Beste Funeral Home.

A Memorial Service will take place at 6:00 pm on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, at St. Ladislaus Catholic Church, Bevent. Sister Mary Ellen will officiate. Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until the time of service, all at the church. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.bestefh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Larry’s name can be directed to the family.