Lester “Bud” Everett Buecksler, 99, of Owatonna, died Monday, April 1, 2024 at Fairview Care Center in Dodge Center.

He was born November 16, 1924 in Meriden, Minnesota the son of Oscar and Esther (Fette) Buecksler. The family moved to Waseca and lived there until 1936 when they moved to Owatonna. Bud helped his father on the farm until 1948. He married Jean Ferguson and they had two children, James and Gerald, and later divorced. In 1955, he began driving truck for Herman Larson and in 1963 purchased the business from Herman. Bud owned and operated his own trucking company for 10 years. He then was the trucking manager for Steele County Shipping Association where he also served on the board.  He then drove milk truck and worked at Manke Service. In 1987, he began working for Turf Supply in Eagan and retired after 18 years.

He is survived by companion, Shirley Buecksler of Owatonna; son, Gerald “Jerry” (Valerie) Buecksler of Brownsdale; grandchildren, Tracee Underwood, Kris (Renee) Buecksler, Kayleena (Eaton) Miller, Caleb (Amy) Buecksler and Andrea (Derrick) Adams; siblings, Victor (Joyce) Buecksler of Owatonna, John “Jack” Buecksler of Luck, WI, Florence Grunwald of Forest Lake and Shirley (Glen) Nelson of Owatonna; 13 great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Esther Buecksler; son, James Buecksler and brother, Arne Buecksler.

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 9th from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM . Funeral services will be held April 9, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Michaelson Funeral Home with Pastor Dave Klawiter officiating. Interment will be in the St. John Cemetery in Owatonna.