Obituary: Reuben L. Buxcel

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In memory of

Reuben L. Buxcel

of Belvidere, South Dakota, died on Sunday, July 6, 2008 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 94

Reuben L. Buxcel was born January 31, 1914 on a farm near Clayton, South Dakota, the son of Theodore and Christina (Frank) Buxcel. At the age of two his parents homesteaded southeast of Stanford in Mellette County. He grew up on the homestead and received his education at the Big White Rural School. As a young man he worked with his parents on the homestead.

Reuben was united in marriage to Irene Manke on March 22, 1941 in Valentine, Nebraska. They made their home on a farm across the creek from his parents. They operated the farm until 1957. While farming he also operated a rural route for the U.S. Post Office in the Stanford and Midland area. In 1957 they moved to Belvidere where he worked at the Tri State Elevator in Belvidere for two years then transferred to the Tri State Elevator in Kadoka for two years, before going back to Belvidere where he managed the elevator until retiring in 1981. He also managed the Belvidere Bar for three years.

After retiring they continued to live in Belvidere until moving into the Gateway Apartments in September of 2004. Reuben enjoyed gardening and raising flowers. He also enjoyed helping at the Chuck Wagon Cafe where he fried donuts and washed dishes. He and his wife also loved to fish. Reuben was an active member of the community as he was a member of the Belvidere Community Church and was also on the City Council.

Grateful for sharing his life include two sons Marvin Buxcel and his wife Mary of Pierre, and Larry Buxcel and his wife Karen of Hutchinson, Minnesota; two daughters JoAnn Saffert and her husband Ed of Wheeler, Wisconsin, and Ruby Sanftner and her husband Leonard of Kadoka, South Dakota, nine grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; three brothers Sam Buxcel and his wife Marlis of Gillette, Wyoming, George Buxcel of Box Elder, and Alfred Buxcel of Rapid City; two sisters Rosa Masteller of Black Hawk, and Clara Wolff of Rapid City; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to this wife Irene, Reuben was preceded in death by a grandson; his parents; five brothers, Albert, Eltor, and three in infancy; and one sister Alvena Eckert.

Visitation was held 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 7, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Kadoka, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Tuesday.

Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, at the Belvidere Community Church in Belvidere.

Interment was in the Belvidere Cemetery.

A memorial is established to the Belvidere Community Church.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Tuesday, July 8, 2008 – 10:00 a.m.
Belvidere Community Church
Belvidere, South Dakota
OFFICIANT
Larry Dolezal
MUSIC
Syd Iwan– Organist
Congregational Hymns
“Amazing Grace”
“Just As I Am”
PALLBEARERS
Jason Buxcel – Ryder Sanftner
Brady Beck – Dan Beck
Bill Eckert – Bill Manke
USHERS
Herman Bork – Tom DeVries
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Belvidere Cemetery
Belvidere, South Dakota

Visitation: 4-6 p.m. on Monday, July 7, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Kadoka.
Funeral services: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, at the Belvidere Community Church in Belvidere.
Interment: Belvidere Cemetery.

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Larry, Karen and family,
So sorry to hear about your father and grandfather. Remember that God will help you through this difficult time. ~ Janelle Madsen Popwell Wellington, TX (7/6/2008)
I just received the call this morning about Uncle Rueben. Heaven has now received a great man that I thought highly of. He was like a Grandfather to me growing up. I believe that now things are a whole again.....Uncle Rueben & Aunt Irene are now side by side; A couple made in heaven! I miss you both. ~ Jeri Olson (Manke) Belle Fourche, SD (7/6/2008)
My deepest sympathies to the Buxcel Family ~ Pat Kozlik Kadoka,S.D. (7/6/2008)
Ruby and family, I am so grateful I had the opportunity to know your dad! What a kind man. He could always put a smile on my face. Hold his memories close to your heart. Stacy ~ Stacy Dole Black Hawk (7/6/2008)
Marvin, Larry, Joann, Ruby... Sorry to hear the loss of your dad. I would like sure be like to able to make it to the services, but I'm busy haying and won't be able to make... Will be thinking of you. Hope to see you on the 26th at the Buxcel reunion. ~ Ronald and Donita Peters Vivan, SD (7/6/2008)
My sympathy to you all. ~ Dorothy & Will Kirckof New Ulm, Mn. (7/6/2008)
You are in our thoughts & prayers! Reuben was a kind and gentle man & always a pleasure to wait on him in the bank. He was always happy and very patient. I know he missed Irene so much, it just didn't seem right when I'd see him driving and no Irene in the pickup. I know they are together now and ever so happy!! Hold on to your many precious memories! He one of the kindest, gentlest, & happiest man I've known and so lucky to have Ruby and her family so close! He loves you all so much! May God help you through this difficult time & always! Mike & Marlene Perault & family
~ Mike & Marlene Perault PO Box 196 Belvidere SD 57521 (7/6/2008)
Marvin, Larry, Joann, Ruby and families

We are very sorry that we could not make it to your Dad's funeral. We didn't get back into town until late Monday night, so we read Monday's paper Tuesday morning. To late to see the notice for the funeral.

I have very fond memories of the Buxcel family from the homesteads' south of Stamford.
I remember the many times we would get together.
The adults played cards and us kids were outside
playing games.
Going to school at the Big White River School.
Coming to your folk's place when ever a bad storm
came so we could all take shelter in your cellar.
The homemade ice cream.

I can't tell you how much I missed those times after we moved to Kennebec. The Rueben and Irene Buxcel family will always be a fond memory to me.

I give you my heartfelt sympathy in the death of your father. My the Lord see you through this loss.

A memorial will be sent to the Belvidere Community Church in memory of your Father.

With fondest memories.

Garold & Sandy Vollmer ~ Garold & Sandy Vollmer 205 S. Berry Pine RD, Rapid City, SD 57702-1909 (7/6/2008)
Joann and family,
My sympathies to you all. He is in a better place and we will all meet again. ~ Pamela Hoffrogge New Ulm, MN (7/6/2008)