Eric Jonathan Buhr (Ric), age 70, passed away December 20, 2014 at his home in Amery with his devoted family by his side. Ric was born on November 24, 1944 in Amery, Wisconsin, beloved son of Joseph and Dorothy (Murray) Buhr. He grew up in Clear Lake and lived with 1 brother and 3 sisters eventually settling on a beautiful farm homesteaded by his Great Grandfather. Ric was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Catholic Church in Clear Lake. In 1962, Ric graduated from Clear Lake High School and went on to obtain a Political Science Education Degree, with a minor in geography, from U.W. River Falls. He also obtained a Masters Degree in Education. Ric met the love of his life, Mary Kay Merth, on June 5, 1970 and they were married exactly one year later on June 5, 1971 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Turtle Lake. They were happily married 43 years and their 3 children and 5 grandchildren have always been their pride and joy.
Ric loved his chosen career, teaching, and worked hard every day to inspire his students. His entire teaching career was spent at Amery where he taught middle school social studies and civics and was an active member of the NUE. He also enjoyed coaching the 8th grade girls and boys basketball teams. Ric's favorite hobbies were also sports related, as he loved to bowl and play/watch basketball, baseball, softball, golf, and tennis. Ric treasured the time he spent visiting with family and friends, hunting with his sons, brother, and nephews, working on the family farm, reading, walking, going to movies and traveling with his wife, Mary Kay. Ric spent many hours as a dedicated member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Amery where he was a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and a valued choir member. He also served on the parish council and worked on several committees. Ric's proudest moments were spent in his role of a doting granddad, spending countless hours playing and entertaining his precious grandchildren.
Ric fought a courageous battle with brain cancer for 4½ years comforted and cared for by his family, his faith and church community, the wonderful caregivers of Adoray Hospice of Baldwin, WI, Dr. Joon Uhm, Neurologist and his amazing staff at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and the incredible staff of the Amery Hospital and Clinic including the remarkable oncology department. Ric's family members are forever grateful and humbled by the many caregivers and friends who went the extra mile to make Ric's journey home gentle and peaceful.
Ric was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Dorothy Buhr, uncles – Clarence, Roy and Johnny Murray, mother and father-in-law Frances and Frank Merth, sister-in-law Shirley Weber as well as other dear aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Kay, sons Darin (Rachel) of Brooklyn Park, MN and Ryan (Amy) of Richfield, MN, daughter Shanin (Scott) Henningsgard, of Osceola, WI and grandchildren Darick and Maya Buhr and grandsons Wyatt, Owen and Sam Henningsgard, brother Gary Buhr (Carolyn) and sisters Pat Tkach (Dennis), Lisa Loughlin (Irving) and Jeanie Rickson (Jim), sisters-in-law Betty Peer (Stan), Peg Smith (Dick), Karen Kuntz (Jim), brothers-in-law Tom Merth (Marge), Jim Merth (Nada), Jerry Weber, Pat Merth (Pauline), and Mike Merth (Sondy) as well as many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren.
Funeral services will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 11 am, Saturday, December 27, with Father Gene Murphy officiating. Burial will follow at the Amery Cemetery. Pallbearers are Darin & Ryan Buhr, Scott Henningsgard, Darren Merth, Courtland Buhr, Cory Otterness, Bill Averbeck, and Greg Olson. Visitation will be held at Williamson-White Funeral Home from 4-8 pm, Friday, December 26 and for one hour prior to the service at the church.