William Buksyk, Jr.

Bill Buksyk, age 90 of Neenah, was called home to the arms of his waiting Lord on November 8, 2020, surrounded by those who loved him. Bill was born in Neenah on August 26, 1930, son of the late William and Mary (Skrzypchak) Buksyk, Sr.

Most of his work life was spent as an engraver at American Can in Neenah, but eventually was able to do what he loved most – get outside. For eighteen years, he owned and operated Green Acres Nursery. Here he became expert at everything from landscaping to spraying flocking on Christmas trees while they whirled around in front of him. During these years, Fran ran the store where she made and sold beautiful Christmas centerpieces and other decorations. As if all this activity was not enough for Bill, he also worked as a custodian at the Neenah Library for ten years.

The Twin City Rod and Gun Club was fortunate to have him as a member for over forty years – he served as president seven times. He was truly dedicated to that club and ran the trout pond for various events, had many winter fisheries, and countless good times.

Bill loved travel, and visited many places – including Alaska and Poland! He also spent two months in Florida each year for the last eight years with his wife Mary Anne. Here they made many great friends, enjoyed an old fashioned or two, and had a chance to work on his tan.

Bill loved hunting and fishing. He out-smarted a huge moose on a hunt in Canada, and was also a good aim with a sturgeon spear. He brought home a couple dandies back in the day!

He was also an avid sports fan! If there was a sporting event on television, you could find Bill in front of it. He loved the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers, but mostly loved watching the Sunday Packer games with family. More than once he was needled for being too much of an armchair quarterback. He was also quite the bowler in his younger days. In December of 1954, he rolled a perfect 300 game.

For Bill life was a lot about the old saying, “the more, the merrier.” He loved being around people, and was known to take the podium every now and then for a funny story or a quirky one liner like, “sit up in the buggy” or “sew buttons on your underwear.” He had dozens of those lines, and everyone loved to hear them.

Bill leaves behind his wife: Mary Anne; his children: Bruce Buksyk, Brenda Hibbard, Laura McCarthy, Cindy (Scott) Kelley, Paula (Doug) Botten, William M. Buksyk, and Brad Buksyk. His grandchildren are Tera (Jon) Larson, James Hibbard, Allison (Brice) Beilke, Shannon McCarthy, Kelley McCarthy, Shane (Amy Hoida) Braun, Trent (Veronica Garbisch) Braun, Nathan (Kyler) Braun, Emily Botten, Kaytie Botten, Lindsey Buksyk, Nicholas Buksyk, Jeremy (Holly) Kelley. Megan Kelley, Mathew Kelley, Alicia Paeth, and Matt Paeth. He will also be missed by his great-grandchildren: Genevieve Larson, Brock Larson, Courtney Braun, McKenzie Braun, Amara Braun, Harper Labby, Liam Kelley, Miles Kelley and one more expected in May.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Frances, as well as his brothers and sisters: Alvin Buksyk, Olive Buksyk, Della (Melvin) Schnese, Norman (Lorraine) Buksyk, Elmer (Marie) Buksyk, Dave (Marvel) Buksyk, and Rita (Charlie) Kieffer.

The family is planning a private service for Bill. This service will be available to view via livestream on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at 1:00 PM. Please follow this link: http://tiny.cc/TrinityFacebook

The family would like to thank everyone on the 5th Floor at ThedaCare in Neenah and all of the caring angels from hospice who made dad’s final days more comfortable. We will always remember your kindness and compassion.

A memorial fund is being established in Bill’s name.

Bill will be forever remembered by his dear family, friends, and buddies for his generosity, humor, and personality. Being a Christian and a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Menasha, we are confident that we will see him again someday. Until that day comes, we will always treasure the fact that he was one great guy!

The family is also planning a celebration of Bill's life at Lucky Dog'z, located at 157 S. Green Bay Road in Neenah, on Friday, December 4, beginning at 4:00 PM. We welcome everyone to join us in remembering Bill and what he meant to all of us.