Brian M. Buksyk

Brian M. Buksyk, (AKA Turkey, Fruitcake), age 52, Menasha, passed away on March 9, 2025 unexpectedly. Brian was born on January 13, 1973 to Len and Gloria (Houterman) Buksyk, in Appleton. He was a graduate of Appleton East High School, Class of 1991. On February 25, 2023 he married his wife Diane on Lake Winnebago during Sturgeon Spearing season. He was employed with Integrated Products for about 23 years until his health prevented him from working.

More than anything, Brian loved his family. His lifelong love of racing included BMX racing and go-karting. Brian and his stepson, Brandon even won the 2005 State Championship in go-karting. Right to the end he also worked on the Pit Crew for LP Motorsports. He was a social butterfly and was known by so many people. His appreciation for fishing, sturgeon spearing, and hunting, paints a picture of someone who was deeply connected to nature, while his later love for travel and warm climates speaks to his spirit of adventure. He was also a longtime member of the Lake Park Sportsman’s Club.

He will be sadly missed by his wife Diane, children Brett (fiancé Nicole) Buksyk and Carley (Tyler) Baltus, parents Len and Gloria, sister Bobbi Jo (fiancé Ken “Stretch” Gerrits) Pettit, nephew Hayden (Brooke) Pettit and niece Natalli (fiancé Brandon Butler) Pettit and their daughter Ariyah, Brett and Carley’s mom Tracy (Dan) Gressler, his beloved dog Decoy and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his stepson Brandon Thurber and his grandparents and other loved ones and family.

There will be a gathering in celebration of Brian’s life on Saturday March 22, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Wichmann Laemmrich Funeral Home in Menasha. The celebration will continue on Saturday March 22, 2025 at the Lake Park Pub and Grill at 8904 Lake Park Road in Menasha from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Charles Chang for his specialized care throughout the years and to the ER nurses and staff at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in Brian's name to the Lake Park Sportsman's Club or Saving Paws Animal Rescue.