Alita Buechler
September 19, 1925 ~ January 17, 2020
Alita K. Buechler, 94, of Gettysburg, passed away Friday, January 17, 2020 at Avera Gettysburg Hospital surrounded by her family.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Gettysburg with Rev. David Otten presiding. Burial followed in the Gettysburg Cemetery. A prayer service was held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at the church with visitation one-hour prior.
Alita Katherine Buechler was born September 19, 1925, in Roscoe SD to Ludwig and Katherine (Schumacher) Guthmiller. After graduating from Roscoe High School in 1943, she moved to Bowdle and worked at the Bowdle Creamery where she met Alvin Buechler. Married in August 1947, they moved to Minneapolis while Alvin attended dental school. In 1951, the Buechler family moved to Gettysburg where Alvin (now “Doc”) opened his dental practice, and Gettysburg became her hometown for the next 69 years.
Alita was a homemaker extraordinaire, helpmeet to her husband for 65 years, and a loving mother to her three children. Her kitchen prowess produced delicacies with names like knipfels and huluptze. Possessed of a sweet tooth Doc couldn’t extract, she was a baker of many delectable treats, but especially renown for her kuchen. Beyond the kitchen she was a seamstress of professional caliber. Exacting of herself, she brought out the best in others. Alita thoroughly enjoyed the company of friends. Times spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her great joy and delight. Throughout life Alita enjoyed golfing, bowling, gardening, knitting, quilting, and reading, but it was the daily solving of crossword puzzles that brought her the greatest pleasure.
Community oriented and civic minded, Alita was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary and member of Color Guard. She spearheaded the SHIP project, which made hats, slippers, and cooling ties for military members. She served as President of the SD Dental Auxiliary. A devoted member of Emanuel Lutheran church, she was a choir member for 50 years, Ladies Aid President and Treasurer, and chairperson of their quilting project.
Alita is survived by her children: Sue (Neil) VanBockel, Eden Prairie, MN, Dr. Steve Buechler, Palm Springs, CA, and Dr. Lynn (Mark) Utecht, Virginia Beach, VA; four grandchildren: Courtney (Dustin) Anderson, Ryan (Jessica) VanBockel, Seth Utecht, and Maggie Utecht; and four great grandchildren: Cambelle and Lucas Anderson, Lucy and Brooks VanBockel.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three brothers and one sister.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Alita’s arrangements.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Sending thoughts and prayers to you all, Susan. Steve and Lynn. Many fond memories of your mom over the years. Always a smile on her face .
Our sympathies are with you Susan, Steve and Lynn during this time of loss for you. Your mom was a grand lady and always made everyone feel special. I always enjoyed my visits with her after church when I would go home. Hugs and take care. Mary Kay
So Sorry we can't be there for the service tomorrow. Sure will miss seeing all the family, but know we will be there in spirit. May your strength come from the Grace of God. Sue, Lynn , Steve and families you are in our thoughts and prayers. Ron and Jan
May God bring your family peace! Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Our deepest sympathy to you Lynn, Steve and Sue during this difficult time. I had the privilege of visiting with your mom on Christmas Day. She was a very special lady and a good friend to my mom. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Dr Steve and family.
Tom and I send our love your mom was such a kind an classy lady. What a legacy she left for all of you! We are gone otherwise we would be there to celebrate her life❤️