Robert C. Buchta

Robert "Bob" C. Buchta, 95, passed away on October 20, 2025.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 31, 2025 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc, WI at 11 a.m. with Rev. Lance O'Donnell officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place at La Belle Cemetery in Oconomowoc, WI immediately following the service. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Watertown is serving the family. Online condolences may be left at www.HafemeisterFH.com.
Robert "Bob" Charles Buchta was born on November 15, 1929, to parents Roy and Eleanore (Meyer) Buchta in Watertown, WI. Bob graduated from Watertown High School in 1947 and went on to earn a degree in Draftsmanship. He worked for a few years at LaBelle Industries in Oconomowoc before becoming self-employed in carpentry. Over the years, Bob built several spec homes and enjoyed cabinetmaking, remodeling, and repair work.
On October 10, 1959, Bob was united in marriage to Ethel Rupnow at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc. He proudly served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1949 to 1950, then was drafted into the U.S. Army, and he served from March 9, 1951 until his honorable discharge on February 25, 1953.
Bob enjoyed the outdoors and could often be found hunting or fishing. He enjoyed a good game of golf with his son, Steve. Always a history enthusiast, Bob loved antiquing and sharing stories about the history behind each of his finds. Bob enjoyed building model airplanes and was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). Bob also was an avid sports fan and, along with his wife Ethel, spent many hours at the YMCA.
Above all, Bob deeply loved his family and cherished the time spent together.
Robert is survived by his loving wife, Ethel Buchta; children, Steven Buchta and Jennifer (John) Looser; grandchildren, Joshua (Kara Szaflarski) Looser and Alyssa (Trevor) Looser Smith; as well as other relatives and friends.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Eleanore Buchta; and son Jeffrey Buchta.
Memorials, if desired, may be directed to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc, WI, to the VA Hospital in Madison, WI, or to a charity of one's choice.