Funeral Service for Eugene D. Bucklin, 88, of Sisseton, SD will be held on Wednesday April 29, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. at the Grace Lutheran Church, Sisseton, SD with the Rev. William Schruba officiating. Organist will be Mona Greseth and soloist will be Pat Schubert. Pallbearers will be Terry Weinkauf, Clayton Moen, Mike Moen, Kenny Wyman, Tim Rice, and Darlow Todd. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of Eugene's grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his great-great-granddaughter. Military rites will be provided by the Otto-Quande-Renville American Legion Post #50 and the Fort Sisseton V.F.W. Post #3342. Interment will be in the Sisseton Cemetery, Sisseton, SD. Visitation services will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at the Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. with a 7:00 PM prayer service. The Cahill Funeral Chapel of Sisseton, SD is in charge of all arrangements.
Eugene D. Bucklin was born near Ortley, SD to Herbert H. and Ida (Shocker) Bucklin. He was baptized as an infant into the Lutheran faith. He attended country school through 8th grade. After his education he worked for the Christianson Grain Company in Sisseton, driving truck hauling grain and coal. Eugene then served in the U .S. Army during/following WWII from April 27, 1945 until December 12, 1946. He served as a mess sergeant in the 34th Infantry, 24th Division in Japan. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), and the Victory Medal. After his service to his country, Eugene was married to the love of his life Darlene Vogel on November 30, 1948 in Webster, SD. Eugene then started to work for Tarvin House Moving where he advanced to the Second Crew Manager. At that time, he had the opportunity to move to the country to the home site where Darlene grew up. Here, they started their dairy business with only 5 calves as he continued to work as a house mover. They gradually built up their dairy herd and in 1968 they purchased another farm and it was here that they expanded the herd. The dairy farm continues to be family operated today. Eugene was also a self taught skilled mechanic and welder and could be found working many days and evenings repairing a tractor, truck or other machinery for himself and assisting his friends and neighbors. Eugene was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Eugene also enjoyed all of his grandchildren, having people visit for coffee and became known for his walleye fish fry's and his famous, homemade apple pies. Eugene passed away April 25, 2015 at the Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown, SD from complications of pneumonia.
Eugene is survived by four children, Ronnie (Mardell) Bucklin of Sisseton, SD, Peggy (Garth) Albers of Deer Creek, MN; Keven (Ann) Bucklin of Syracuse, NY, Daren Bucklin (Lowell Sumner) of Portland, OR, grandchildren, Jennifer, Robbie, Blaine (Bobbie), Alisha (JaDean), David (Kara), Ashley (Daryl), Justen (Desiree), Jodana (Cole), Hannah, Mary, Molly, Melissa, Benjamin, and Seong. Eugene also had 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. Eugene is survived by one half-sister, Elnora Demaris of Ortley, SD.
Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Darlene after 46 years of marriage, an infant daughter Sheryl Ann, and three brothers Arnold, Lyle, and Donnie.
For Eugene's obituary and on-line registry please visit www.cahillfuneralchapel.com