Lavonne Buckmaster

LaVonne Buckmaster, 71, of Westby, died Tuesday, August 18, 2015. LaVonne E. 'Bucky' Buckmaster, 71 of Westby, died Tuesday, August 18, 2015. He was born on October 7, 1943 at the Parker Brookside Hospital in Boscobel, WI. He was the son of Ernest and Rose (Gossen) Buckmaster. Bucky graduated from Gays Mills High School in 1961. After a brief stint in the Navy, he attended Vernon County Teachers College, graduating in 1964. There he met the love of his life, Donna Gudgeon, and they were married in 1965. To this union three children were born, Jeffery, Brian and Dawn. Bucky taught at several schools over the next several years. He later worked for the City of Viroqua and from 1974 until retirement he worked as the waste water treatment operator for the City of Westby. He was an active member of the Viroqua Church of the Nazarene and also served as church treasurer and taught Sunday school and Bible studies to shut-ins. He was also a member of Gideon International. Bucky was a Boy Scout leader and Den Master in the 1970's. His interest in government lead to his service as President of Vernon County Douglas Mental Health, Westby Justice of the Peace, eight years on Westby Area School Board and Chairman of the Vernon County Democratic Party. Upon his retirement he served on the Westby City Council and on a Vernon County Advisory Committee. Bucky most enjoyed photography and serving elderly people by driving them to business appointments and shopping. LaVonne was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and two grandbabies, Courtney Lynn and Gage Anthony: and his mother-in-law, Vera Gudgeon. Bucky is survived by his wife, Donna; children: Jeff (Cherie Hohmann), Brian (Rhonda Dwyer), Dawn (Michael Olson); grandchildren: Taylor (Jeff LeJeune), Adam and Hannah Buckmaster, and Jacob Olson; and great-grandson, Colton LeJeune; his sister, Jolene (Dale Gudgeon); and father-in-law, Ervin Gudgeon; and Donna's siblings: Kenneth from Bonanza, Oregon, Dale (Jolene) of Viroqua, Doug (Pam) of Onalaska, Arnie (Cindy) of Granton, Betty (Ed Lind), Erma (Tim Erickson), Carl (Sherry), and Linda (Mark Baker) all of Viroqua; and many cousins, nephews, and nieces. Bucky received wonderful care the past eight years at Norseland Nursing Home following multiple health concerns. Funeral Services will be held at 11 am on Monday, August 24, 2015 at the Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby. Pastors Jared Rider and Milton Wilson Jr. will officiate with burial in the Home Cemetery. Friends may call at the Funeral Home on Sunday, August 23, 2015 from 4-6 pm. Friends may also call on Monday from 10 am until the time of service at 11. Memorial may be given to Westby Fine Arts Foundation, Norseland Nursing Home Recreation Therapy or charity of the donors choice. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.