William "Bill" Buckendorf

1950 - 2026

William "Mr. Bill" Buckendorf

September 12, 1950 - February 8, 2026

William J. Buckendorf, 75, passed away on February 8 surrounded by profound love and care from his family and the compassionate CNAs who supported him. He was born in Twin Falls and grew up in Buhl with his parents, Glen and Annette Buckendorf, and five other siblings-Bobby, Barry, Betty, Ben and Bart. Bill learned a solid work ethic on the family's dairy farm and working in his grandfather's (Glen Senior) tire shop. He also picked up milk cans for Pet Milk Company around the valley and "bucked "hay. In high school Bill enjoyed playing basketball and running cross-country. During these years, he developed friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Bill decided to follow his older brother Bob to the College of Idaho in 1969. He joined the choir and discovered his passion for choral music. Bill had little previous experience in music before that time, because his father wanted him to play sports. As a high school senior, He took part in a mixed choir and learned to play the guitar. At C of I, music professor Dr. James Gabbard recognized Bill's natural talent. He mentored him and became a good friend. Bill enjoyed many musical experiences while in college, singing the elite chamber choir and performing in several operettas and shows.

Though they had met during high school, romance eventually bloomed between Bill and a Filer graduate, Madeline Kelley. Even though she called him a "jerk" the first time she met him in high school, Madeline and Bill became good friends at C of I. They both eventually realized that they belonged together and got married in 1974. After marriage they both moved to Heppner, Ore. There he taught for two years, then moved back to Nampa, Idaho, where he taught for four years.

In 1980, Bill got a chance to teach at Caldwell High School and stayed in the job he loved for 28 years. He produced high-quality performances that earned his groups superior ratings and gold and silver medals at state and national festivals. His Madrigal singers earned enough gold medals to sing at invitation-only Gold Festivals held in Washington, D.C., and New York City. They also sang for Caldwell community groups too numerous to mention, as well as for the Idaho Senate and House of Representatives. The Madrigals, along with the Chamber Choir, were invited to sing the National Anthem three times for the Seattle Mariners and once for the Oakland A's baseball teams. With help from several people, Bill produced 27 musicals that were double-cast and often involved 80-100 students in them.

Bill was a wonderful father to his two children, Brett and Hannah Buckendorf. When they were young, he would take them on short trips in a little wagon attached to his bicycle. He read and sang to them and supported them in their various interests. The children often traveled with Bill to regional and state festivals, and they participated in several musicals. Bill also loved his students and set a great example of kindness and compassion. Two of his favorite mottos were: "Don't just teach music-teach people" and "Love One Another-No Exceptions!"

A Celebration of Life for Bill will be held at the Caldwell High School Auditorium, 3401 South Indiana Avenue, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 11. Instead of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Caldwell Foundation for Educational Opportunity (CFEO), Bill Buckendorf Fund, PO Box 122, Caldwell, ID 83606.

To leave a condolence, please visit www.dakanfuneralchapel.com.