Submitted Rugby resident Victor Buchta turned 100 years old on Sunday.

Victor Buchta turned 100 years old Sunday. Buchta was born Sept. 7, 1914, on the family farm in Benson County, south of Leeds, to Andrew and Mary Buchta. He lived on the same farm until purchasing his own just a few miles away in 1942. At the age of 38 he married the love of his life, Clara. Over the years they bought a threshing machine and helped the neighbors and those in the surrounding area harvest their crops.

He said there was so much work to do he had to turn some jobs away. They continued to farm until 1975 when they retired and moved to Rugby. Unable to sit still, Buchta went to work at the Pioneer Village and Museum, in Rugby, where he enjoyed creating the “Hobo Jungle”. He worked there for the next 30 years. In May of 2005 they moved into the Haaland Home. Clara passed away in October of 2005.

Victor continues to exercise daily and enjoys his walks outdoors. When asked what his ingredients are to living a good, long life he replied, “Work hard, be honest and upright, living with the same woman for 52 years and above all, love the Lord.”

– Lisa Hanson, Haaland Estates