Robert Buche

92, died at home in Sun City, AZ, March 22, 2013. He was born in Lake Andes, SD, on June 7, 1920, to Gus and Catherine Buche and lived his life in South Dakota and Arizona. After attending Creighton and USD, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy where he piloted lighter-than-air during WWII. He married Dorothy Fritz in 1942, and nine children were born to this union. They lived primarily in Mitchell, SD, where he became president of the GF Buche Co, a family-owned South Dakota business for over 100 years. He retired to Arizona where, following Dorothy’s death, he wed Millie Dowling and indulged his lifelong passion for the game of golf. He maintained his quick wit and treasured being in the company of his wife and children until the end. Bob is survived by his wife Millie, his children Donna (Pat) O’Connell, Spearfish, SD; Robert (Barb) Buche, Rapid City, SD; Laurel Francis, Rapid City, SD; Mark (Chris) Buche, Mitchell, SD; Greg (Deb) Buche, Mitchell, SD; Jeff (Donna) Buche, Chamberlain, SD; Mary (Bo) Garcia, American Canyon, CA; Jane (Mark) Schwartz, Spearfish, SD; Brad (Lanett) Buche, Mitchell, SD; three stepchildren, Mary (Stanley) Sachau, Phoenix, AZ; Diane Dowling Larson, Buena Park, CA; and Bill Dowling, Phoenix, AZ; thirty-five grandchildren, forty-six great-grandchildren, and three sisters, Betty Roby, Theresa Fredericks, and Pal Tomford. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, and his sister, Jean Ann Graff. Services in Sun City are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 27 at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City. Interment and a Mass celebrating his life will be held at a later date in Mitchell, SD. Memorials may be directed to Sunshine Services or Hospice of the Valley in Sun City, AZ.