"Dear Maureen, Marianne and families, Tom and I wanted to express our sympathy on the death of your father. My sister who lives in Madison forwarded the news. Having just lost my dad in October, I know how wonderful parents leave a longing in our lives. We were blessed to have such loving parents."
In loving memory of
Howard M. Buenzli
November 5, 1915 - May 2, 2009
MADISON- Howard M. Buenzli, age 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 2, 2009, at Attic Angel Place. Howard was born in Madison on November 5, 1915, to August and Elizabeth Buenzli. He graduated from East High School and the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Philosophy in 1937, and a Doctor of Laws Degree in 1939. He was a member of Phi Kappa Fraternity.
In 1940, after serving as Assistant City Attorney in Madison, he was called to active duty. He was assigned to the Office of the Chief of Air Corps in Washington, D.C. After Pearl Harbor, he served with Army Airways Communication Systems in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. He later retired with the rank of Colonel from the Air Force Reserves.
While in Washington, D.C., he met and married Margaret Mary Dunworth on May 15, 1943. Howard continued his military service with AACS in Asheville, North Carolina.
After WWII, Howard returned to Madison and joined the family business, The Wisconsin Supply Corporation, which had been founded by his father. He also served as Madison and Dane county's first Civil Defense Director, before joining CUNA Mutual Insurance Society as Vice President of Personnel (1957-1979).
In retirement, Howard was a dedicated volunteer, spending countless hours serving the Madison Arch-Diocese under Bishop Wirz, the American Red Cross and the National Association of Retired Credit Union People (NARCUP). He also volunteered his legal expertise in the writing of wills and tax preparation for senior citizens.
Howard was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, a member of Serra Club and the Holy Name Society at Blessed Sacrament Church. He was a life time member of the Wisconsin and Dane County Bar Associations and the Wisconsin Alumni Association and Memorial Union. He also participated in West-Side Rotary.
Howard was an avid Badger fan, loved the UW Badger Band and singing along to Varsity. As a senior law student in 1938, he was proud to throw his cane over the goalpost and catch it, ensuring he would win his first case. His life long joy was playing the piano for family and friends. He and Margaret enjoyed many wonderful years of travel within the U.S. and abroad.
Howard is survived by his two daughters, Marianne (Michael) Kennedy of Wheaton, IL and Maureen Walker of Waukesha. He is also survived by grandchildren: Ryan Walker of New York City, Meaghan (Tim) Dansfield of London, England, Kathleen Walker of New York City, Patrick Kennedy of Minocqua, WI, Scott (Michelle) Kennedy of Elmhurst, IL, and Sean (Gina) Kennedy of Denver, CO; great grandchildren: Harrison, Owen and Wyatt Kennedy, and many nieces and nephews.
Howard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret; his son, Howard Malcolm Buenzli, his brothers: Gregory (Lenora), Philip (Helen), William (Elva); and sister, Virginia (Walter) Lenz.
Howard spent his last years under the care of the dedicated staff of Team "B" at Attic Angel Place Health Center. The family is very grateful for their excellent and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Queen of Peace Catholic Church, HospiceCare Foundation Inc., or the Attic Angels Employee Fund.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 8, 2009, at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, witha visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Monsignor Kenneth J. Fiedler will officiate. Interment with full military honors will be at Resurrection Cemetery.
Howard was a kind, generous and considerate man who loved his family, church and country.He will be missed by all who knew him.
Tributes
"I AM A RETIREE FROM THE CUNA MUTUAL INSURANCE GROUP, HAVING BEEN EMPLOYED AT THE MADISON HOME OFFICE FOR NEARLY 20 YEARS FROM 1967 TO 1986 IN THE CAPACITIES OF ASSISTANT ADVERTISING MANAGER AND EXHIBIT & DISPLAY COORDINATOR BEFORE MOVING TO AUSTIN, TEXAS. HOWARD BUENZLI WAS ALWAYS VERY PROFESSIONAL AND RESPECTFUL OF OTHER EMPLOYEES. WE HAD A GOOD RAPPORT, EVEN THOUGH WE WERE NOT IN CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER ON A DAILY BASIS. HOWEVER, WE ALWAYS GREETED EACH OTHER VERY CORDIALLY WHENEVER WE WOULD PASS EACH OTHER IN THE BUILDING. HE WAS A VERY GOOD MAN, AND SERVED CUNA MUTUAL VERY WELL FOR MANY YEARS! I AM PROUD TO HAVE KNOWN HIM. NOW, I WAS GLAD TO LEARN FROM HIS OBITUARY THAT HE LIVED A LONG AND FRUITFUL LIFE, HAVING SERVED HIS EMPLOYERS, THE NATION, AND HIS COMMUNITY. BLESS HIS MEMORY AND BLESS THE BUENZLI FAMILY. JOHN LEDERER-AUSTIN, TEXAS "
"I had the privilege of working with Howard at CUNA Mutual for over 20 years. We were a very close group. I remember his always having a smile. And I know the family will recall all the wonderful children's Christmas parties in the cafeteria. I will remember him in my prayers. P.S. I graduated from Blessed Sacrament Grade School. grades 1 thru 8. in 1949."
"I was said to read about Howard's passing away. I new Howard from Cuna Mutual and NARCUP. He was always a cheerful person. My daughter Jenny, took care of Howard this past month, while she was working at Attic Angels in the evening. She was in CNA training. She was shocked to know that I had known her patient named Howard B. She like taking care of Howard. My prayers with the family, and I am having a mass said for Howard this week. "
"I enjoyed my associations with Howard, at CUNA Mutual, and he was always gracious, friendly and polite. He created a personnel department that always kept the interests of the employees uppermost. "
"Dear Buenzli family, I belong the Blessed Sacrament. I would see your father up front at mass. I always wanted to go up and introduce myself and tell him I knew his son Malcolm. We went to college together and he so kindly took me out in Madison,Wi in 1969 when I was so lonely here after moving from St Norberts to complete my degree. I had wanted to tell your father what a kind son he had. sincerely,karen sorenson lavalley"