Leon Buerck

Leon Thomas Buerck, age 82, died Friday, January 9, 2026 at Heartwood Senior Living in Appleton, WI. He was born October 25, 1943 to Oscar and Gertrude (Hogard) Buerck in Belgique, MO. Leon graduated from Perryville High School and then Southeast Missouri State University. On June 4, 1966, he married Julia Rausch in Perryville, MO. Over the course of his career, Leon worked as an accountant for many retail companies, which afforded his family the opportunity to live in many different states.

After retirement, Leon and Julia resided in Milford, OH where he attended St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1263 in Perryville, MO.  Leon and Julie had a devotion to the Blessed Mother and made tens of thousands of Rosaries which were donated to many churches and missions across the US and internationally.

Leon is survived by his daughter, Naomi (Rich) Benz, Appleton, WI; son, Brett (Ashley) Buerck, FL; eight grandchildren; and by many nieces and nephews. He is further survived by his brother-in-law, Greg (Kaye) Tindall.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Julia in 2018; his parents, Oscar and Gertrude; three brothers; and a sister.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Association of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, MO or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Leon’s name.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 528 2nd St., Menasha, WI. A visitation will be held at church from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of service. A second visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Evans Funeral Home, 741 Center St., Milford, OH from 8:00 A.M. until 8:45 A.M., followed by a 9:00 A.M. graveside service at St. Andrew Cemetery in Milford, where Leon will be laid to rest alongside Julia.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Heartwood Senior Living and AseraCare Hospice, especially Kayla and Abby, for their compassionate care and support.