Rev. David G. Buescher

The Rev. David Gene Buescher, 67, Jefferson City, retired priest of Diocese of Jefferson City, died peacefully Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013.

Father David G. Buescher was born Jan. 6, 1946, in Washington, the son of the late Alfred J. Buescher Sr. and wife Zita, nee Voelkerding.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Carol Buescher; and one brother, Alfred J. Buescher Jr.

Father Buescher is survived by one brother, Romuald L. Buescher and wife Joan; one sister, Janet Buescher; and one sister-in-law, Susan Buescher.

He received his primary education at St. Francis Borgia Elementary School, Washington, from 1951 to 1959. Seminary studies were at St. Joseph Seminary, Westmont, Ill., from 1959 to 1963; Cardinal Glennon College, St. Louis, from 1963 to 1967; and The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., from 1967 to 1971. The Most Rev. Michael F. McAuliffe, bishop of Jefferson City, ordained him to the Holy Priesthood on May 22, 1971, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Washington.

Following his ordination, Father Buescher served on the faculty at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary, Hannibal, for six years while continuing his own studies at St. Louis University. He then served in many parishes in the Jefferson City Diocese: Sacred Heart, Rich Fountain; St. Brendan, Mexico, Mo.; St. Anthony, Camdenton; St. Bernadette, Hermitage; and Our Lady of the Snows, Climax Springs. Father Buescher also served as diocesan youth director in Jefferson City and was associate director of the Office of Spiritual Renewal of the Laity and on the faculty of the Permanent Diaconate. He spent a four-year period serving the English-speaking international Roman Catholic parish of The Hague in the Netherlands. Father Buescher also was chaplain of the House of Representatives and worked as a volunteer in corrections at the Algoa Correctional Center, Jefferson City, for several years each. He celebrated 40 years in the priesthood in June 2011.

Visitation was held at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Jefferson City, Thursday, Feb. 7, from 5 to 8 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Another viewing was held Friday, Feb. 8, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, beginning at 9:30 a.m. prior to the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. with the Most Rev. John R. Gaydos officiating.

The Mass of Christian burial was held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1014 Madison Ave., Washington, Mo., at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, with Father Daniel I.J. Lueckenotte officiating.

Burial followed at St. Francis Borgia Cemetery, Washington, in the Buescher family plot, where Father Buescher was buried next to his mother.

Memorials are suggested to the Mission Office of the Diocese of Jefferson City, P.O. Box 104900, Attn.: Mission Office, Jefferson City, MO 65110.

Those wishing to email condolences to the family may do so at www.dulletrimble.com.

Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.