Wilbert J. Buchka

Wilbert J. Buchka of Cuba, Missouri, was born on July 15, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of John and Wilma A. Buchka. He passed away peacefully at his home on June 16, 2025, at the age of 85.

On March 12, 1965, Wilbert married Stella Bridgeman in Cuba, Missouri, and together they welcomed two children, Ann and Mike, into their family.

A proud veteran, Wilbert honorably served his country in the United States Army. He dedicated many years of his professional life to Echo Supply and later to Dana Brake Parts. His hobbies included an enthusiasm for trains, planes, tractors, and automobiles. He cherished family outings, camping, traveling, and enjoyed watching "The Price Is Right," along with oldies and the teachings of Jimmy Swaggart on television.

Wilbert is preceded in death by his parents, John and Wilma; his brothers, Louis and Richard Buchka; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, including Richard Bridgeman, Lola Mae (Ernie) Holland, Wayne Bridgeman, Johnny (Teri) Bridgeman, Carl (Betty) Bridgeman, Lawrence Bridgeman, Rodger Bridgeman, Sr., Haskel Bridgeman, and Glenda Bridgeman.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Stella Buchka, and their children, Ann (Donald) Williams of Fairmont City, Illinois, and Mike (Sandy) Buchka of Cuba. He will be remembered by his grandchildren: Bobby Scott Hinson, Bobby Michael Hinson, James Williams, Anthony Williams, Martin Williams, Michael Buchka, Barry Richards, Jeffery Buchka Joe and Jackie Baumgartner, Tiffany and Logan Fleming and Katherine Whipple; as well great-grandchildren Malachi, Chase, Zehn, Grace, Savanna, Kashton, Eleven, Zehn and Dylan, Jacon and Meloda, Parker, Everleigh, Jeremiah, Emmalynn, Sofia, Abel, Anthony, Ashton, Xavier, Aden and Jordan. Wilbert also leaves behind a host of brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, including Orville (Lois) Bridgeman of Newbury, CA, Larry (Wanda) Bridgeman, Clifford (Delphia) Bridgeman, and Lester Bridgeman, all of Cuba; Beverly (Jay) Hanes, Sharon (Dallas) Britton, and Linda Bridgeman of Cuba, Brenda Bridgeman of Cuba, Bud Bridgeman of Thousand Oaks, CA; along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many friends who will miss him dearly.

A Celebration of Life in honor of Wilbert will take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall 7057 Old 66, Cuba, Missouri. The Missouri Military Honors Team will conduct military honors at 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation or Phelps Hospice.

The Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba is honored to serve the family of Wilbert J. Buchka, whose memory will remain in the hearts of those he has touched.