In loving memory of

Charles Elwyn Buhr
April 9, 1935 - January 23, 2012

STEWARTVILLE, MINN: Charles Elwyn Buhr, 76, passed away Monday, January 23, 2012 at his residence.

Charles was born April 9, 1935 in Lime Springs, IA to John and Esther (Hoppie) Buhr. Growing up on a farm in Howard County, IA, he attended country schools through the eighth grade. He thengraduated from CrescoHigh School where he participated in Future Farmers of America and lettered in the sports. He loved footballand wrestling. He went on to study animal husbandry at Iowa State College. After 2 years at Iowa State, Charles became a medical assistant, proudly serving his country in the US Army. Charles returned to Lime Springs after the Army and began farming before moving to Rochester, where he worked at IBM. Charles spent most of his life as proprietor ofBuhr Reality in Rochester. He was a charter and lifelongmemberof Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Charles enjoyed fishing with his family and visiting with relatives. In recent years he thoroughly enjoyed the successes in sports activities of his grandchildren, attending competitions whenever he could.

Charles is survived by his children, Jeffrey (Patty) Buhr of Mishawaka, IN, Brenda (Jay) Hancock of Dallas, TX and David (Cindy) Buhr of Grapevine, TX; 7 grandchildren, Kristin, Kate, Caroline, Camryn, Greer, Alexander and Nicole;brother, Dr. Ken (Dr. Dianne) Buhr of Gainesville, FL and former spouse,Lois Buhr of Mishawaka, IN. Charles was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service will be held 1:00pm Saturday, January 28, 2012 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church 2703 9th Ave NW, Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00pm Friday, January 27, 2012 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN and one hour prior to the service at the church.The Rev. Steve Schauder will be officiating with burial at a later date at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Lime Springs, IA.

Tributes

Ken Buhr wrote on Feb 26, 2012:

"Charlie, Thanks for the brother''s bond, the support, and guidance.  Ken"

Barb & Norb Poch wrote on Feb 1, 2012:

"We both worked with Charlie a lot, before moving to Wisconsin, and were inspired by his untiring hard work for the GOP in CD 1.  Our prayers and condolences to his family."

Joe Meyer wrote on Jan 30, 2012:

"What can I say about Charlie? Well, I was the "sign guy" on staff for the MNGOP and it was my job to get the 4 constitutional candidates yard signs all over the state. Things were a little lacking and we just couldnt quite get the right strategy down, so a few staffers and I sat down and started brainstorming on what to do. I won't bore you with the details of the plan but the name of it was "Operation Charlie Buhr". It didn't matter if we had a problem in Duluth it was always Charlie I called for input. We'll miss you Charlie. P.S. To: his Granddaughters if I remember correctly, will probably read this if not already, he talked about you girls all the time, and the sports you were in. You could see his face light up when he talked about how proud of you he was. God Bless."

Norrine Jensen and Nat Dotson wrote on Jan 28, 2012:

"With thoughts and prayers to comfort you in the loss of your loved one, Charles.  Our sympathy. Norrine Jensen and Nate Dotson Steele County GOP Co-chairs"

Bonnie Haugen wrote on Jan 28, 2012:

"Hard-working, dedicated, dependable.  What an honor to have known Charlie, if only for such a short time.  God bless his memory and his family."

Lois (Mohr) Reinhart wrote on Jan 28, 2012:

"My sympathy to Chuck's family from an old neighbor on the farm south of Lime Springs.  I'm sorry I didn't make it to the funeral as I wasn't aware of his death until late this morning.  May your memories comfort you. Lois (Mohr) Reinhart"

Patrick D. Boone wrote on Jan 27, 2012:

"My deepest sympathies as it is not easy losing a loved one even when you know it is coming. I really enjoyed knowing Charlie through his political activity in the Republican Party and have fond memories of meeting up with him to get signs. But it is memories of talking to him after he first started treatment that touch me the most. He was quite the fighter and could be abrasive, but there was another side to him that I got to see then. That is the Charlie I will always remember. I am sure he is talking the ears off his family on the other side right now and he will never be far away from you. May God bless and comfort you, Patrick D. Boone"

Alice Atkinson wrote on Jan 27, 2012:

"We were very sorry to learn of Charlie's passing.  I am so touched by all the other condolences that were sent to him on the this posting!  We have all been touched by Charlie!!  He sometimes came to our Wabasha County BPOU Meetings and as mentioned before---HE WAS OUR SIGN MAN!!  If you wanted a sign or tons of signs to put up, he made certain that you got them on time and he made many trips to the Cities for signs and never asked for a dime!  I think the Republican Party finally paid him something for doing this and he did not know what to think!!  That he got paid for going and getting the signs as he just did it out love for Republican Party!! He drove alot of miles and never thought a thing of getting reimbursed for it!  He also was a great fundraiser too.  And he was always kind to us and we all talked about things in our Republican meetings.  I do not know who we will get to be our "sign man" now!!  Kids, grandkids, brother and wife--He was a great guy!  May God Bless! Alice and Colin Atkinson and Wabasha County BPOU : "

CJ Werner (Dallas, Texas) wrote on Jan 27, 2012:

"Sorry for you loss.  My time in Minnesota Charlie always made me feel welcomed.  Sending my payers and warm thoughts of Charlie."

Jim Engstrand wrote on Jan 27, 2012:

"Rest in peace Charlie.   May the Lord comfort and keep your family."

Dave Thul wrote on Jan 27, 2012:

"Godspeed Charlie, you will be missed."

Larry Mattson wrote on Jan 26, 2012:

"He had courage, & perseverance. His hand was always extended in friendship. He will be remembered. "

Steve Roberts of Olmsted GOP wrote on Jan 26, 2012:

"I knew Charlie as a member of the Olmsted GOP group and was fortunate to share dinner with him at the Christmas party this year. He was not someone that complained, but rather would make the best of things and had a positive slant on most everything. Passionate about politics and had to have his signs just the way he wanted them. We will all miss Charlie."

Dave Fredricksen wrote on Jan 26, 2012:

"Charles was a good man - I have known him since 1978 when we did a real estate deal God Bless Charles"

Faline Gossman wrote on Jan 26, 2012:

"I enjoyed so much working along side Charlie during years of involvement with the Republican party back in the 70's and 80's.  He was very dedicated to the party and everyone knew and loved Charlie!  I know he will be sorely missed, as well as his long-time influence in the Rochester Community. With my heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends."

Leisa Luis-Grill wrote on Jan 26, 2012:

"I cannot begin to tell you how much Charlie will be missed. He was someone who always was ready to help, always had a new idea, always spoke his mind and could always be counted on to do his utter best for his friends and for the causes he was devoted to. Even to the last minute, Charlie was active, attending meetings, sharing his experience and expertise when most of us would have run out of energy long before. His awareness of his condition and his courage in the face of his failing health made me feel humble, yet proud to know him. He gave me inspiration that he was probably unaware of. The GOP and Tea Party were more than mere organizations for Charlie--to him we were family, and today we truly feel that we have lost a family member. My deepest sympathy to everyone that knew and loved him."

Dennis and Sheri Hayden wrote on Jan 26, 2012:

"So sorry to hear of his passing.  What a dynamic personality.  His kind will be missed. Blessings to his family. "

Chuck Bradford wrote on Jan 26, 2012:

"It is hard for me to put into words how much of an impact Charlie had on the Rochester Tea Party, Olmsted Republicans and Dodge County Republicans. He was always willing to help out, perform fundraisers, work on campaigns or just help out a friend in need. His life and passion touched hundreds of people and his absence will be felt for many years to come. I considered Charlie to be one of my trusted friends and I know many others did as well. Rest now Charlie and know that you will be missed!"

Michelle Rifenberg wrote on Jan 26, 2012:

"Rest in Peace Charlie."

Gregg Peppin wrote on Jan 26, 2012:

"I got to know Charlie in 2010 when we worked on a campaign together. We shared war stories, horror stories and many laughs. The nicest, most down-to-earth guy in politics. I learned much from Charlie and his passing is very sad."

Jim Hagedorn wrote on Jan 26, 2012:

"Charlie was the finest of Americans. Whether it was his wonderful sense of humor, work ethic or passion for the Lord and our conservative cause, Charlie made those around him better and happier. "GOP" Charlie had a way of cutting through the "stuff" and telling it like it is.  Of all the people I've met in national politics, no one was more genuine, street smart or just plain right. Charlie's passing makes me very sad and it was a blessing to become friends and be part of his life.  Charlie was very kind to me and he will be fondly remembered the rest of my life. My deepest sympathies to the family, especially the grandchildren who were Charlie's pride and joy."

Steve Perkins wrote on Jan 26, 2012:

"The Republican Party of Minnesota lost a great volunteer in Charlie's passing.  I am now assured that heaven will be fully lawn signed this fall for every GOP candidate running.  As our 2011 volunteer of the year for the 1st Congressional District GOP Charie was a true example to all for his dedication to Country and then Party.  We will miss you Charlie but know you are in a much better place rejoicing with your Maker and Lord. Steve Perkins former CD1 GOP chair and a friend"

Wanda Mitchell wrote on Jan 26, 2012:

"Charlie will be missed greatly across Southern Minnesota among the GOP party and conservatives.  It was a pleasure to have known him.  Our thoughts and prayers to his family. Wanda Mitchell"

Kerry Stoick wrote on Jan 25, 2012:

"We will miss you greatly Charlie! It was a privilage to know you and you are truly one of a kind. My greatest sympathy to your family, and may you be in peace and happiness! Warm Regards, Kerry Stoick"

Fran Bradley wrote on Jan 25, 2012:

"We will all miss our good friend Charlie Buhr.  His commitment to common sense principles and his incredible energy and courage were inspirations to all.  He has left his mark on the hearts and minds of so many.  He will long be known as the CAMPAIGN SIGN KING OF SOUTHERN MINNESOTA.  We are all better citizens for having known and loved Charlie Buhr."

Steven Mulholland wrote on Jan 25, 2012:

"Charlie was one of the nicest people I have known. I can''t think of a time or place he wouldn''t have given a hand or for that matter, anything he had to another person in need. I''m sorry to hear he is gone. The world was a better place with Charlie here and he will be missed."

Ken Scribner wrote on Jan 25, 2012:

"We have been so blessed to have known Charlie Buhr. He will be remembered for his years of service to the GOP and the Rochester Tea Party. A man of passion who has been a role model to his many fellow patriots. He will always be remembered for his love of country. Ken Scribner"