Herbert Buettner, of White Lake, died Friday, July 8, 2016 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was 88 years old. He was born on June 16, 1928 in White Lake, a son of August and Elsie (Sperberg) Buettner. He married Genevieve Conn on May 23, 1953 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, White Lake. She survives.
He served in the United States Army having been stationed in Germany and Italy post WWII. After military service he worked at the Kriewaldt Cheese Factory in Langlade and later took over the family farm in Langlade and operated it until 1968.
In the 1960's he began fish guiding services on the Wolf River which expanded into the rafting business. "Herb's Rafts" continues to operate on the Wolf River today.
In 1972 he built Buettner's Wild Wolf Inn in Langlade, a business he operated with his son and daughter-in-law.
From the 1960's to today Herb fought for the preservation of the Wolf River. He was active in the Wolf River Conservation Club and was part of the founding of Wisconsin's first Trout Unlimited Chapter.
Herb fought against construction of Dams on the Wolf River which led to a bill being passed in the Wisconsin legislature stating "There shall be no dams constructed on the Wolf River upstream from Keshena, Wisconsin henceforth.", a phrase he frequently quoted.
He hosted Governor Warren Knowles and Senator Gaylord Nelson on Wolf River rafting trips to explain his conservation efforts. (www.wolfrivertu.org)
He worked with the local Indian tribes against the proposed Exxon Mine in Crandon to protect the headwaters of the Wolf River.
He was a lifelong member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in White Lake, the Anderson-Sather American Legion Post #524, White Lake, the Boulder Lake Snow Go'ers and was a snowmobile safety instructor for 20 years.
Survivors including his wife are a son, Andy (Cindy) Buettner, White Lake; a daughter, Debby (Jim) Crail, Greenville; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bob (Rowena) Buettner of Wausau, Carl Buettner of White Lake.
He was preceded in death by three sisters and six brothers.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday July 12, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church White Lake with Rev. Kelly Smith officiating. Burial will take place in Langlade Cemetery, town of Wolf River where the Anderson-Sather American Legion post will conduct military rites.
Visitation will be 4 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday at the Bradley Funeral Home with veterans standing honor guard from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Visitation on Tuesday will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
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Antigo, WI 54409
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White Lake, Wisconsin 54491
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White Lake, Wisconsin 54491
2 people have supported the family by purchasing them flowers or gifts from the Healing Registry.
My Uncle Herb was such a generous and kind-hearted gentleman. He cared deeply about his family and dedicated himself to the cause of righteousness. Just to weeks before we had to say good bye, he spoke of creation and the wonders of it. He loved the Lord and praised Him in his everyday discussion. I am so thankful for the rich blessing of getting to be the neice of my Uncke Herb and Aunt Genie.
Uncke Herb will be greatly missed.
May God bless you all with His peace, comfort and strength as you celebrate a life well lived. Growing up around Langlade, I always enjoyed when my dad would take us to the Wild Wolf Inn to visit with Herb. I learned to love the beauty of the Wolf River through the stories and work of Herb Buettner.
A genuinely good man that will never be forgotten or replaced.
Rest Easy Herb!!
Herb was a great man and I worked for him when I was in high school and when both my daughters worked there when they were in high school! He will be deeply missed!
I enjoyed working for Herb years ago. He was a great boss. And a good community servant. Sending prayers and sympathy to his family.
There are no words to show how thankful my Tribe (Sokaogon Chippewa-Mole Lake) is to Herb. All the years he attended meetings to help stop the Crandon Mine. It is definitely a sad day. His dedication to the environment is like no other. He will be missed greatly! Sincerely, Tina L. Van Zile
Uncle Herb always impressed me as such a strong man; In physical presence, Love of family, and advocacy for a better and cleaner world for all, especially in the beautiful wild wolf river area. He was a wonderful and generous Uncle and the the best steward of nature that I've known in life. My thoughts and prayers are with Aunt Genie, Andy and Debby and their families.
This man will always be in our hearts, his stories, his wisdom, and his friendship. He always found time to talk. He will be thought of often and missed even more.
We love and will miss you grandpa! Your stories and the knowledge you taught us over the years is something we will never forget!
Herb and I were friendly f6ishing competitors. He always had the big Trout an Cap's board. I envied Herb when he had the foresight to buy Gilmore's Mistake. He never misused his tenancy. Herb and Cap are hugely responsible for achieving National Wild River status eligibility for the Whitewater Wolf. We did business with Herb and it was always more than fair. Herb developed many raft business protocols. He moved inflated rafts on trailers, We deflated ours. Our Canoe School lunches at the Inn were a welcome treat. Genny, I grieve his parting!
Herb and I competed for business. He always played fair. I envied him after he had the foresight to buy the access to Gilmore's Mistake. He never abused his rights. Andy always allowed us to the lower landing. The Whitewater Wolf is elgilble for
Uncle Herb was a superb person, one who I have always admired for his on going causes to make this a better world and keep the good we have for all of mankind and those youths yet to enjoy this life on earth. He had the ability to write and verbally rehearse poems written recently and years past. He mentioned recently that he had added a verse to "Wake Up America" (which could easily go viral if posted on line). Uncle Herb recited a poem in Sept. as we stood in the Langlade Cemetery: "Time, like an ever-flowing stream, Bears all of us away. We fly, forgotten, as a dream dies, at the opening of day" I will miss you always Uncle Herb. Thank you for being such a wonderful Uncle. Love, Barb Seidl
Herb always had some very interesting stories, he will be truly missed. Rest in peace
Rest in peace, Uncle Herb.
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