Obituary: Earl Edward "Buck" Church - Class of 1966

MADISON - Earl Edward "Buck" Church, age 64, passed away peacefully with all of his family by his side on Jan. 21, 2013.

 He was born on July 18, 1948 in Madison. Earl enjoyed his family, children and grandchildren. He loved Christmas the most, fishing, motorcycling and spending time in Wisconsin Dells with Sandy. He really enjoyed life to the fullest.

 He is survived by his wife, Sandy; his children, Michelle (Dave) Neumann, Sherry (Norbert) Sasek, Danielle (Greg) Miller and Tony Church; and the mother of his children, Lenille Church. He was also very proud of his grandchildren, Christopher, Justin, Brianna, Aaron, Angela, Brandon, Bailey, Dylan, Devin, Leshia, Terrell, Latasha and Cami and a soon to be born great-grandchild. He is also survived by his little sister, Pam Menning and we can’t forget his best friend, Duke (his dog) who was there to keep him company.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Angela; parents, Earl E. Church Sr., and Frances Splittgerber and his sister, Patricia Lichtenberg.

There will be a celebration of life at EVANGEL LIFE CENTER – Great Room, 4402 Femrite Drive, Madison on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, at 11 a.m. Pastor John Clark will officiate. A luncheon to follow at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 2109 Bartillon Drive Madison.

In lieu of flowers or monetary gifts, please make donations in his memory to the Diabetic Foundation. Our family would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to the doctors and nurses at St. Mary’s Medical ICU, where they took exceptional care of our dad and we are forever grateful. Papa, we will always love you and we will miss you dearly. Love, Michelle, Sherry, Dani and Tony. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3325 E. Washington Ave. (608) 249-6666

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 23, 2013. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Note: Earl Edward Church's class year is based on information in the 1966 Tychoberahn, which includes his photo amongst those of the graduating seniors.