Richard Gene Buck passed away peacefully on Monday, February 16, 2026, with his loving wife, Alice Mae Buck, by his side. He was born on January 19,1937, and was raised in Maplewood. He lived in Oakdale, Minnesota, for the first half of his life before crossing the beloved St. Croix River to spend the second half in Wisconsin. A life well lived.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Howard Cecil Buck; his mother, Minerva Elizabeth (Dunn) Buck; his first wife, Joyce Tilly (McIntyre) Buck; his brother, Herb Buck and Herb's wife, Anita, and their son, David Buck; his brother, Roger Buck; and his second wife, Harriet June Buck.

He is survived by his wife, Alice Mae (Stone) Buck; his children, Kevin Howard Buck, Kelly Richard Buck, Kristel Charlotte Buck-Ulrick, and Katherine Joyce Buck; his grandsons, Paul Anthony Ulrick and Richard Christian Ulrick; and his great-grandchildren, Rylee N. Ulrick, Ruxson L. Ulrick, and Everly A. Ulrick. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews and their families; stepchildren, Carol Anne and Steve Baker and family, Dani and Chad Phillips and family, and Philip and Kelly Golden and family.

Richard was well read-a master of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. He faithfully read the St. Paul Pioneer Press daily throughout his life and was an avid reader with an endless thirst for knowledge.

Richard Served in the U.S. Army as a mechanic stationed in Kitzingen, West Germany. After serving his country, he continued his career as a mechanic. Rich loved car racing and was a racecar driver, #74. He was a lifelong spectator at Cedar Lake Speedway, and the Daytona 500, and other local racetracks. In later years, his talents led him to carpentry where he worked as a Union carpenter until retirement. Richard built all three homes he lived in. For much of his life, he was proud to be a Freemason. Richard and Alice were dedicated to their families, the Amery VFW Post 7929, and the Arnell Memorial Humane Society.

A special thank you to Shelly and to all who helped from St. Croix Hospice during his final days.

A graveside service will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Amery VFW Post 7929. The service will take place on March 9, 2026, at 1:30 PM. Enter at Gate 2 and follow signs to Assembly Area #6. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the service.