Peggy J. (Stewart) Buecker

Peggy J. (Stewart) Buecker, age 91, a lifetime resident of Springfield, IL, born November 26, 1926, passed away at home on December 28, 2017. She was preceded in death by her parents, William David Stewart and Anna Mae (Ford) Stewart, her husband, Roger, and her brother, William L. Stewart. She is survived by her children and by her sister Betty J. Durako of Belleville, IL (husband John, deceased).

Mrs. Buecker always said she was a proud “North Ender”. She started her life on the “Avenue” (North Grand between Seventh and Ninth Streets) where she lived above her father’s grocery store. She was raised on North 8th Street and attended school at Ridgely Elementary and then Lanphier High School. She graduated from Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and proudly served in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corp during WWII. She received her Bachelor’s degree in nursing from the College of St. Francis in Joliet, IL. Peggy was a registered nurse at Memorial and St. Johns Hospitals, at the Springfield City Health Department, and at the Illinois Department of Public Aide. In her earlier years, she enjoyed being active in her church and community. She served as a Republican Precinct Committeewoman in Springfield Township. She volunteered many years as a tutor for the VIA/Literacy Program at Lawrence School. She served as a Sunday school teacher and Brownie leader at Elliott Avenue Baptist Church, where she also sang in the choir. She enjoyed being a member of the Lanphier Alumni Luncheon club – Class of 1942-1945. Peggy married Roger Eugene Buecker on November 8, 1947, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Springfield, IL. Peggy and Roger were fortunate to celebrate 67 years of marriage.

Peggy was the epitome of a wonderful mother and grandmother and made every holiday and special occasion memorable in the country home her husband, Roger, built in 1957. Peggy and Roger enjoyed many travel adventures and held treasured memories of camping with family and friends throughout the United States and Canada.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Steven Buecker, Stewart (Theresa) Buecker, Stan (Nancy) Buecker, Penny (Kenny) Young, and Martha (Tom) Richey. Her grandchildren, Andrea Shryock, Steven (Meaghan) Buecker, Shannon Buecker (Scott and Phoebe), Trisha (John) Hibbs, Cathryn Buecker, Clayton Buecker, Steven Smith, Nicholas Smith, Christopher Welch, Elisabeth (Caleb) Hoover, Roger (Alison) Buecker, Staci (Barry) Buecker – DeNardo, Thomas (Maggie) Richey, Anna Richey (Andy), Benjamin Richey. Great Grandchildren, Taelor & Bryson Shryock, Henry, Claire, Jack & Magdalyn Buecker, Satch & Hodge Buecker, Nicholas DeNardo, Emmett & Harrison Richey, Trenton & Kylie Van Meter, Quentin Hibbs, and Logan Smith. Peggy is also survived and preceded by dear girlfriends who shared mutual love and greatly enriched her life. Her kind spirit will live on through them.

The family would like to thank Memorial Home Services Hospice, as they were a blessing to our family when we needed it the most.

Visitation: 9-11 am, Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at Elliott Avenue Baptist Church.

Funeral Service: 11 am, Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at Elliott Avenue Baptist Church with Pastor Cana Roth officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

In honor of Peggy’s memory, memorials may be given to Elliott Avenue Baptist Church, Springfield, IL or a charity of donor’s choice.