Darrell Buchholz

Darrell Edward Buchholz, 68, of Montello, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, November 21, 2025. Born on May 22, 1957, at Divine Savior Hospital in Portage to Edward and Marlene (Eichman) Buchholz, Darrell grew up in Montello and graduated from Montello High School in 1975. He went on to own the Rustic Bar in Montello while beginning a long and devoted 42-year career at Alliance Laundry Systems in Ripon, retiring in January of 2020. Darrell met the love of his life, Deb Klapper, and the two were married on October 23, 1982, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Montello.

Darrell was a man who loved life’s adventures and found joy in the great outdoors. He spent countless days snowmobiling “up North” to the Rocky Mountains in West Yellowstone, along with many summers boating the Mississippi River, Lake of the Ozarks, Cumberland River to Madison’s Chain o’ Lakes. He also deeply valued his time with Emmanuel Lutheran Church, where he faithfully served in many ways. A talented craftsman, Darrell had an incredible gift for building and creating. One of his proudest accomplishments was designing and constructing his family’s dream home — a place filled with warmth, gatherings, and the laughter of family and friends. That home became the heart of countless memories and celebrations over the years.

Darrell will be remembered for his kindness, humor, hard work, and the deep love he had for his family. He lived life with integrity and a generous heart, always ready to lend a hand or share a story that brought a smile.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Deb; his children: Matthew (Tasha) Buchholz and Michelle Buchholz; and his beloved grandson, Dekker, who brought him endless pride and joy. Darrell is also survived by his mother, Marlene Buchholz; brothers: Glenn (Jackie) and Warren (Jeanne); sisters: Patricia Fritsche and Theresa (Shawn) Campion; father-in-law, Robert Klapper, and his brothers-and sister-in-law, Dennis (Becky) Klapper, Dan (Andrea) Klapper, and Dina (Nathan) Schultz. He is further survived by aunts, uncles, many beloved nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Buchholz; his mother-in-law, Sandra Klapper, his brother-in-law, Tommy Fritsche; his nephew, Sean Klapper; and his lifelong friend, Randy Hardell.

A funeral service for Darrell Buchholz will be on Friday, November 28, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1568 Evergreen Lane, Montello. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until 11:45 AM. Pastor John Dolan will preside and burial will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the Budda-Box Inc., PO Box 591, Montello, WI 53949 or Christ Alone Lutheran Academy.

Crawford Funeral and Cremation Service of Montello and Oxford is honored to be serving the family. www.CrawfordFH.com