Anton Peter Bucan

Anton Peter Bucan, age 93, of Romeo, Michigan, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024. He was born on August 24, 1930 in Kingsford, Michigan to the late Anton Sr. and Mary (nee Rodman) Bucan. He was the 7th of 9 children in the family.
Anton ("Tony") graduated in 1948 from Kingsford High School. He served in the US Army in the Korean War in the 79th Engineering Construction Battalion. After returning home from the service he married his sweetheart Shirley Ann Kleiber of Kingsford on April 7, 1956. He then went on to attend Northern Michigan University earning both a Bachelors degree in Education and a Masters degree in Counseling. Tony was meant to be a teacher. He taught for one year at Saginaw High School and 30 years at Utica High School. He taught precision machining in their Industrial Arts Program and some mathematics. He also taught Driver's Education and was coach of the UHS Ski Club. A dedicated and enthusiastic teacher, he touched the lives of countless students with his knowledge, wisdom, skills, patience and humor. His commitment to education and youth was evident in the many generations of students who remember him as "Buc" and many former students came by to visit him or ran into him at various places over the years. He always enjoyed reconnecting with his students.
Tony had a passion for downhill skiing. He started in childhood and he continued to ski until he was 80. He skied all over the US, Canada, and Europe. He enjoyed skiing with his son and grandson, as well as friends and students, he was always ready for a ski adventure. Tony also loved to travel and took his family on many vacations and spent part of many summers taking his family to Kingsford to be with his and Shirley's parents, siblings and nieces and nephews. He was a great Dad and grandfather. His family meant everything to him. After retirement he and Shirley continued to travel to many places. Tony had a zest for life and liked keeping active. He was also an avid reader and was known for his engaging conversations on world affairs and politics. Tony had a most warm and wonderful smile for everyone.
Tony leaves behind his loving wife and family. Shirley, his wife of 68 years, his daughter Denise (Voja) Rakic, his son James Bucan (Deana Foronato-Major), grandchildren Dr.Alisha Bucan (m. Noah Houghtaling), Dr. Jonathon (Jordan) Bucan and many dear nieces and nephews.
Tony was preceded in death by his sisters Agnes Lindstrom, Veronica Greenleaf, Helen Smeester, Ann Wroblewski and Mary Carlson. Brothers, Michael, Emil, and Joseph Bucan. Also his daughter n' law, Annette Bucan. Tony will be profoundly missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of family and friends.
A Memorial Service will take place on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 from 12-2pm at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home in Romeo, Michigan.
A Funeral Service will begin at 2pm
Burial will immediately follow at the Romeo Cemetery across the street.
In lieu of flowers, family has asked that donations be made to (Hospice Support Foundation at St. Croix Hospice 7755 3rd St. North Suite 200, Oakdale, MN 55128).