Obituary
Jerome
Buckmeier
Jerome Anton Buckmeier (Jerry), 70, died July 24, 2012 of a massive heart attack while in Tacoma, WA. Cremation has taken place and there will be a private family graveside service in Rugby, ND at a later date.
Jerome was born August 17, 1941 to Stonas and Hilda (Bruner) Buckmeier in Rugby, ND. He was the oldest of twelve children and grew up on a farm north of Knox, ND. He graduated from Knox High School and continued his education in Fargo, ND at Hansen Mechanical School. Jerome worked at Lake Supply in Devils Lake, ND and Selland Motors in Rugby, ND before joining the Army in 1961. After doing his basic training in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, he was stationed in Korea in May of 1962 until being discharged in late June of 1963. He returned home and later that summer he and a friend traveled to Seattle, WA, where he worked for the Pacific Car and Foundry, a concrete pipe making plant. He also did maintenance for an apartment complex and the Hostess Bakery.
Jerome was married to Rachel Miller July 14, 1967 and to this union one daughter was born, Becky Marie. Jerome and Becky moved to Fairbanks, AK, where he worked for the CJM Construction company. He also did asbestos removal and was a Civil Service Inspector until he retired in 1996.
Wanting to be nearer his daughter and her family, who were stationed at Ft. Drum, he bought a motor home and traveled to New York, where he would spend his summers enjoying his grandchildren and then going to Florida to enjoy the warmth during the winters. For much of the time that Chris, his son-in-law, was called to duty in the Middle East, Jerome would be there for Becky and the grandchildren.
He traveled from Fairbanks, AK to New York, Florida, Texas, Arizona and Washington. He was proud to say he has been to all but the five northeastern states.
Jerome enjoyed traveling and the outdoors, with all the hunting and fishing, but his great love was for his daughter and three grandchildren that he spoke so highly of. His best friends, Bob and Kathy Heiser also meant the world to him and they spent much time together in Alaska, Florida and Arizona.
Jerome is survived by his daughter, Becky (Chris) Below, grandchildren Searia, Hailey and Stephan of Seattle WA; his mother, Hilda Buckmeier; five brothers, Arlan (Roxanne), Florian, Fairbanks, AK; Allen, Stanis (Kathy), Denver, CO; Leland (Jane), Fargo, ND; six sisters, Janice (Alex) Haman, Fairbanks, AK;, Joyce Froelich, Rugby; Virginia Henning, Bismarck; Lois (Larry) Signalness Watford City, ND; Sylvia (Richard) Kruger, Ramsey, MN; Mary Vigesaa, Altamont, IL; plus many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Stonas Buckmeier; and a brother-in-law, Robert Vigesaa.
Condolences may be sent to belowbecky@yahoo.com.