Ross E Buchert

North Mankato Mortuary - Northview
North Mankato, Minnesota

Ross Ernest Buchert, age 89, of rural Mankato, died peacefully in the company of loved ones at Immanuel St Joseph's Hospital on Friday, April 22, 2011.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 am, Tuesday, April 26, 2011, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 1103 N. Broad Street, Mankato, with Rev. Paul Lauer officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Monday at North Mankato Mortuary " NORTHVIEW, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be in Woodland Hills Memorial Park. Memorials may be given to Our Saviors Lutheran Church or to the donor's choice.

Ross was born in rural Lyon County on October 29, 1921, to Oscar and Ella (Dahlquist) Buchert. He and eight brothers and sisters attended the District 66 country school and worked the family farm. At the age of seven, Ross rigged and handled teams of horses and was expected to accomplish many of the tasks that tractors do for farmers today. He was expert at taking pheasants with a single shot .410 shotgun and recollected with fondness the autumn banquets prepared by his mother and sisters. As older siblings moved away, Ross looked beyond the fields and pastures of his youth for opportunities to drive trucks for local operators. He gained experience by hauling furniture, freight, and cattle. In June of 1942, Ross attempted to enlist in the Army but was refused due to medical reasons. When drafted in September, he was denied a second time. In September of 1943, he married Agnes Polesky. Although they worked a small farm near Russell, MN, Ross continued to drive trucks and he also worked the custom combining outfits in the southwestern plains states. In July of 1945, their first son Keith was born. In 1957, a second son, Allen arrived. The Buchert family had been in Mankato since 1953 and Ross was now driving a petroleum transport for Hicks Motors. For the better part of three decades, Ross provided dependable transport service to gas stations and bulk fuel agents throughout south central Minnesota. He also worked for Lundin Construction hauling hot oil for asphalt plants and worked on a highway paint crew for MNDOT. Ross enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. He was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church and a lifetime member of the Key City Conservation Club, devoting countless hours to the perpetuation of our outdoor heritage through organizations such as the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association and the National Rifle Association. We will miss his friendly smile, good natured chiding, exemplary work ethic, and his ethical, common-sense approach to life.

Ross is survived by his beloved wife, Agnes; sons, Keith (Suzanne) and Al (Karen); grandchildren, Paula, Michelle (Dan) Hilfiker, Spence and Katie; and his "little" brother, Warren "Bud" (Marge); also nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers and three sisters. Ross cherished the love and support of his relatives, friends and neighbors throughout his life and especially in his final days. It is his family's privilege to share in those special bonds of love and friendship.