George Edward Buhler

George E. Buhler, 105, of Berne, Indiana, went to his heavenly home on Friday, September 6, 2024.  He was born July 24, 1919, in New Jersey, to Lauretta (Bell) Buhler and George Buhler.  He married Rose Cardone on April 12, 1947.

George was the oldest of four sons.  At age 15, George found it necessary to quit school in order to help his mother support the family.  His father died as a result of a workplace injury, and George found employment, learning several different trades through his experiences.

In 2018, at the age of 99, George was awarded an honorary high school diploma from Adams Central High School in recognition of his lifelong service to his country, family, and community.  Buhler was humbled and grateful stating, “Now I can finally get a good job!”

George was drafted to serve his country during WWII.  As a member of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, George landed on the beach at Normandy and drove his motorcycle on missions throughout Europe.  He was responsible for such assignments as leading convoys, riding reconnaissance, directing traffic, and delivering maps and important papers.  Buhler often encountered top brass such as General Patton.  Remarkedly, after serving their country, all four Buhler brothers returned home after the war.

Once honorably discharged and returned to civilian life, George met his future wife Rose at a skating rink.  They married and had two children.  The Buhler family found residence in several states: New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Indiana.

George was a man of many talents.  He worked in maintenance for years and became a “Mr. Fix-It” for anyone who asked. He designed and built numerous homes on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.  After moving to Indiana, he worked for and retired from Dunbar Furniture.  He played guitar and harmonica for small gatherings and church services.  He loved woodworking and crafts.  While a resident at Swiss Village, he painted Halloween pumpkins and enjoyed people’s reactions to his personal touches.  In his later years, he began to draw caricatures of friends, family, and Swiss Village staff.  He loved reading and researching, quipping, “If you need to know something, READ about it and find out!”

He thoroughly enjoyed a good cup of coffee and times spent with friends (young and old), sharing laughs and fantastic stories!  He was even willing to wear bunny ears one Easter to join in the fun. He penned a short list of tenets to live by and shared it with anyone who was interested: “Listen to what God has to say; Mind your own business; Eat the right food – lots of coffee; Get plenty of sleep.”

He served Jesus as an AWANA leader, church trustee, and participant in mission trips to Jamaica. He was a member of West Missionary Church and took great joy in filling missionary jugs for Sunday School children.  He repeatedly said that his goal in life was to make people happy and give them a reason to smile!

In 2021, George received notable recognition from Congressman Jim Banks.  Banks visited George at Swiss Village to share a cup of coffee and “chat.”  Banks delivered a Congressional Record to the US House of Representatives in honor of George’s service to our country.  George’s story was also recorded and preserved as part of the Veteran’s History Project, housed in the US Library of Congress.  In 2022, State Representative Matt Lehman presented George the Circle of Corydon Award in recognition of service to the people of Indiana. In 2023 The Indiana Patriot Guard rode their motorcycles to Swiss Village to celebrate George’s 104th birthday.  That same summer, Janine Stange, the National Anthem girl, posted George’s birthday on her website to promote birthday cards to veterans.  George received over 400 cards from around the U.S.A. and beyond!

George is survived by daughter Lauretta (Steve) Zurcher, son Wayne (Jill) Buhler; six grandchildren: Jeffrey (Christi) Zurcher, Megan (Matt) Haveman, Brett Zurcher, Jessica (Dustin) Kunasek, Stephanie (Kyle) Biddle, Michelle (Austin) Calton; nine great-grandchildren: Delainey Zurcher, Cale Zurcher, LiviMae Zurcher, Brody Haveman, Hanna Haveman, Levi Kunasek, Lennon Kunasek, Jett Biddle, and Heidi Biddle; and several nieces and nephews.

George was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Rose Buhler, and brothers Fred, Eugene, and Arthur Buhler.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at the West Missionary Church in Berne, Indiana with Pastor Keith Rupp and Pastor Mike Wertenberger officiating. Private family burial will take place on Tuesday morning at the Marion National Cemetery with Military honors being rendered by the United States Army in conjunction with the American Legion.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, September 23, 2024, at the Swiss Village Chapel and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Memorials may be to Swiss Village Samaritan’s Fund.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel of Berne, Indiana