Robert Buchinger, our Pater Familius, died on May 23rd, 2020 after an epic but unsuccessful battle with cancer.   But far more important than his death, was the way he lived.  Bob was a man who was beloved by many, his soul-mate and love of his life Melody, his children Juli, (Ross) and Jack, his five brothers, and most especially his granddaughter Raelynn, who was his heart.  Bob’s center and reason for living was his family, even when they drove him crazy.

Bob was a true renaissance man. Bob was the leader of the circle, a sailor, a brewer, a dragon-slayer, an actor, a grill-master, a man of faith, and an incredible role model to all who had the honor of knowing him.  He was a role model not only as a good person, but as an amazing husband and father.  He had the kind of marriage that others tried to emulate.

Bob, sometimes known as the Captain, sometimes Bobby-Ray, was a genuinely good person.  He was passionate about serving the community both through the church and by donating blood.  He was a prolific donor of both blood and platelets before his illness.  He was also an incredibly fun person.  He was witty and quick, and could adopt any kind of voice or accent if the joke depended on it.  He never forgot anything he ever learned, which made him a phenom at trivial pursuit much to the chagrin of those who played him.  A master of politics, he was passionate about changing the world.  He was an unapologetic lefty-liberal even though, and maybe especially because, it annoyed his brothers.  He was kind-hearted, reasonable, and the source of humor wherever he went.  Bob was someone who’s loud laughter you always heard before you ever saw him.

It is to the world’s misfortune that we only had 56 years with him.  He was someone who had a ton of zest for life and packed way more passion and love for family and for life than 56 years should have allowed.

He was born to the late Carl and Marion.  He is survived by his five brothers: Joe (Jayne), Ron (Amy), Carl (Karen), Al (Shelly), Ray (Judy), Grandma Joyce Breucker, Grandpa George, Grandma Natalie, in-laws Jill, Randy, Andy, Bill, Sue, many nieces and nephews, and hordes of friends.

Because of this stupid coronavirus, a private funeral mass will be celebrated for Bob at 11 AM on Friday, June 12, 2020 to honor this amazing man. You are welcome to view the mass via livestream, which can be found on his obituary page at www.wichmannfuneralshomes.com on the day of the service. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, please donate blood to the Community Blood Center, 4406 West Spencer St., Appleton, WI 54914 in Bob’s name or vote against Donald Trump.

To leave a special message or condolences for Bob’s family, please visit wichmannfuneralhomes.com.