William Charles Buchholz

William "Bill" Buchholz, age 92, of Wheaton, Minnesota passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at Sanford Wheaton Hospital. 

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Minnesota with Rev. Cheryl Berg officiating. Visitation will be held Saturday morning from 9:30 a.m. until service time.

Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Wheaton. Military Rites will be provided by the Merton Dale American Legion Post #80.

William “Bill” Charles Buchholz was born April 25, 1932, in Clintonville, Wisconsin, to Leo and Alma (Schultz) Buchholz. He was baptized and confirmed at Christus Lutheran Church in Clintonville, WI.

Bill was an amazing man who lived an incredible life. Tough as nails and humble as the day is long, he was an accomplished practical joker, a caring father, and a friend to everyone he met. Bill was also an outstanding high school and college football player.

He enlisted in the United States Army in October of 1952 and served until October 1954. He was trained to be a squad leader in the infantry, but volunteered to be a medic in a M.A.S.H. unit. (Thus his interest in the TV show that ran for 11 years—we watched it religiously. This also began his interest in the healthcare field.) With his GI bill school loan in hand, he attended the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, in 1960 (where he played football) and got a degree in lab and X-ray technology. He then moved his young family to Nebraska to start his career, while continuing his education to become an administrator. In 1966 Bill moved his family again to develop his new career as a hospital administrator. The Wheaton Community Hospital kept him in charge for 30 years. After his retirement in 1994 he served on the hospital board for a number of years. He also served on the State of Minnesota Veterans Board and was part of the leadership to launch a new Veterans Hospital in Minneapolis, as well as having been a member of the Minnesota Hospital Association, where he served as district president. 

Bill recruited Bob Wieser to help set up, organize, and create the Wheaton Hospital Ambulance service. They even helped to build the first garage to house the first rig they put into service.

He was a longtime member of the American Legion. Bill was a man of service; he served on the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church council for a number of terms. He was a longtime member of the church choir and men’s choir and served as a youth group leader and Sunday school teacher. He loved the annual church lutefisk supper; the smell was intoxicating and the cleanup was hard labor, but he embraced the whole experience.

Building and remodeling was one of his hobbies and he shared his skills with friends, neighbors, and his kids. As he aged, the big projects turned into crafts and knickknacks. Much to the dismay of his wife Marvel, Bill was a collector of used lawn mowers, used tools, construction materials, pencils, and anything with a Green Bay Packers logo.

Bill was married to his wife Marvel for 67 years at her passing in January 2024. At that time, his four children all commented it would be difficult for Dad to live without Marvel. He cried on Mother’s Day because she wasn’t there and died before Father’s Day to be with her. His love and commitment to Marvel was a testament to their marriage and their family.

Bill was a loving husband, caring father, and a mentor who led by example. He was the quintessential grandpa. His humor always made for a happy gathering. The world lost an amazing man, God received a faithful servant.

Bill is preceded in death by wife Marvel; his parents: Leo and Alma Buchholz; brother Jim; sisters: Lois and Shirley; and daughter Mara. 

Bill is survived by his sister Betty, brother Tom, four children: Brian (Kathy) Buchholz of Afton, MN; Brook (Yvonne) Buchholz of Fort Ransom, ND; Keri (Charles) Weick of Minot, ND; Tracey Raguse of Wheaton, MN; four grandchildren: Anna (Tom) Bagiackas of Box Elder, SD; Erika Buchholz of Baton Rouge, LA; Calvin Buchholz of Lisbon, ND; Taylor Buchholz of Fargo, ND; great grandchildren: Kobe Buchholz and Joseph Bagiackas; two step grandchildren: Erica Raguse, Moorhead, MN, Justin Raguse Fargo, ND; and three step great grandchildren: Kayleen, Kristofer, and Konnor.