Lois Marie Bucher, 82 of Union Mills, IN, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 2, 2023, after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. Lois was born on April 4, 1941, to Leslie and Sarah Gerst after brothers, Arnold (Marge, dec.) Gerst and Conrad (Roletta, dec.) Gerst, and before her beloved sister, Edra (Bob) Kuntz. She married Garry Allen Bucher on February 5, 1961, in the Apostolic Christian Church in Oakville, IA. The couple raised four children: Marsha (Dennis) Weiss of Union Mills, Sheryl Bucher of Normal, IL, Jim (Kim) Bucher of Indianapolis and Deb (Derek) Sallee of Middlebury.
Garry and Lois loved spending time and vacationing with their family as well as attending the various events of their children and six grandchildren: Tasia (Wilson) Dalga, Logan (Jen) Weiss, AJ Bucher, Grace Bucher, Trevor (Elizabeth) Sallee, and Tanner (Anna) Sallee; and great-grandchildren: Lincoln Dalga, Lily Dalga, and Callahan Weiss.
A devoted member of the Apostolic Christian Church of Valparaiso, Lois loved serving others through her church and other ministries, including the Church World Relief Program. After retiring from her 23-year career with the U.S. Post Office in Union Mills, she devoted many years to raising funds and providing clothes for Haitian orphans through Loving Shepherd Ministries.
Lois possessed the gift of hospitality and always considered others ahead of herself, showing love to others with her time, talents and acts of service. Her sewing room was a sanctuary to her, with each member of her family receiving at least one hand made quilt over the years. Before church on Sunday mornings, Lois could be found singing hymns while playing the piano.
Already waiting for her in heaven are her parents, infant brother, Leslie Gerst, Jr., infant daughter, Anne Marie Bucher, and infant great-grandson, Levi Dalga.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (CT) at Wanatah Funeral Chapel, 309 N. Main St., Wanatah. The funeral service will begin on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. (CT) at the Apostolic Christian Church of Valparaiso, 105 S. IN-49, Valparaiso, with additional visitation from 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. (CT) A graveside service will begin at 2:00 p.m. (CT) at the Apostolic Christian Cemetery in LaCrosse. Memorial contributions can be made to Dunes Hospice Foundation or Loving Shepherd Ministries: Haiti Homes of Hope.
GUESTBOOK
Gary & family. My condolences go out to each of you. May The Lord’s comfort & peace be with you. Blessings, -Janis Plattner (Ron’s widow)
We are saddened to hear of your mom's passing. She was a sweet spirit and a wonderful neighbor. However, we are rejoicing that she is with Jesus. That is a wonderful gift. You are in our prayers. -Dan and Deb Lute
Sheryl and family, I’m so very sorry to hear of the passing of your dear loved one. Even though we know it’s wonderful for her to have won the battle - it’s very tough to feel the hole that is left in our hearts and lives. Prayers are with you and may God comfort you greatly during this time and the years to come. My love and sympathy. -Sandy Schneider
Gary and children, My deepest sympathy at the loss of your beloved one. You have so very many wonderful memories that will bring you much comfort now and in the future. May God ever be with you all. -Garnet Nuest
Our deepest sympathy and love to all of you. Mrs. Bucher was such a kind person. I loved running into her at the post office. We had the best chats. We will keep you in our prayers. -Howie, Donna and Holleigh Hunsley
Dear Garry and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great sorrow. Lois had such a kind and loving spirit. May God comfort you in the coming days. We look forward to a Heavenly reunion. Love, -Tom and Jo Ann Rieker
We are so sorry. Our prayers are with you all. -Art and Suz Ringger
Dennis and I are so sorry to hear of Lois’s illness. My mother passed away with that cancer some years ago. Garry, you and Lois were both very kind to DJ when he worked for you. He enjoyed working and learning from the two of you. Please know that I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. -Dennis and Vicky Schweller
Garry and family, You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Parting is so hard, but we are thankful that we can look forward to a wonderful eternal reunion. We have so many wonderful memories! -Mike & Monica Fritz
Our prayers for each of you as you remember your loving wife, Mom and Grandma. She really was an example of selfless love and commitment. Let’s try to be like her. -Jeff and Carla Fritz
Brother Garry -- so sorry for your loss. Thankful for Lois's testimony and all the good things she's encountering now. Your least brother in Christ, -Randy Leman - West Lafayette
As a young girl in Oakville, I well remembered my Dad’s cousin, Lois, coming home with Garry and the children She was a slender beauty with a blonde French roll, happily talking to everyone! And Uncle Les and Aunt Sarah were so excited too! My love and sympathy to Garry and family BUT especially to Edra and Connie. -Beth (Wagenbach) Steffen Congerville, IL. , Johnny and Marilyn’s.
We are so saddened by your loss. She has always been a joyful, kind and loving presence towards us, which exhibits her walk with the Lord. May you feel his nearness in the coming days of grief and family togetherness. Love, -Jon, Amy Gerst and kids
My thoughts and prayers have been with you over the last couple of days. Precious memories flood my soul, thinking of all the past Army reunions. What a wonderful time and getting to spend time with friends. Deb, it's so hard to lose your mom but may you feel His presence around you during this time. Gerry--thanks for the love and care you have given over the years. Love, -Kathy Jo Fehr
Thinking of you -- Gary, Connie, Arnie and Edra -- at the time of your loss of a dear one. I remember a joyful conversation with Lois years ago in Princeville church. We are all third cousins through the Rich family (although we never get together as a family). My mother always spoke kindly of the Gerst family. My sympathy and prayers that God will comfort all of you. Sincerely, -Betty (Tanner) Stahl
