Nadine J. Buechler

Nadine Joyce Buechler (nee Schiller)(nee Harper)

Peacefully entered her eternal home, the church triumphant, in the early morning hours of September 12, 2024, at the age of 85, while she was sleeping.

She was born November 4, 1938, in Waukesha, WI; graduated from Waukesha High School (class of 1956); and joined the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17 (requiring her parents written permission), heading to Parris Island, SC, shortly after her high school graduation. She served two years in the U.S. Marine Corps. She headed to Washington D.C., serving as a secretary in a patent attorney’s office. She returned to Waukesha in 1964 and built a life and career as a mom and homemaker; a small business owner specializing in commercial and residential painting and wallpapering with her dear friend Jan Bacskai; and served in the Waukesha County District Attorney’s Office Victim Assistance Program, helping victims and witnesses of crime to navigate the criminal justice system and understand their rights.

She was a long-time member of Mount Calvary Ev. Lutheran Church in Waukesha. Her faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her life. The staff and members of Mount Calvary were some of her dearest friends, and she cherished being with them in worship, Bible study, helping at Vacation Bible School, and camaraderie. They meant so much to her and added a richness to her life.

She was incredibly hardworking, active, and independent throughout her life, armed with a do-it-yourself approach to all things. She loved animals and would spend endless amounts of time and energy assuring that they were well cared for and loved. She loved to read and instilled a love of books and libraries in her children and grandchildren at an early age. She enjoyed writing letters and cards with spiritual meanings and placing them in the hands of family and friends when they needed them most. Perhaps her greatest gift was caring for her mother, Irma Schiller, through the twilight of her life, spending time with her every day and always being by her side. It was a wonderful selfless example of love, sacrifice, and commitment to an aging parent that left a profound impact on all who witnessed.

While extremely proud of her own children, her love and pride for her granddaughters was at another level. She helped build them into strong, smart, and confident young women. Her greatest wish was that they would stay close, always have each other’s back, keep God in their lives, and always be thoughtful to others. To see that wish come true in the women that they have become meant everything to her.

She is survived by her children, Dale (Rhonda) Harper of Hartland; John (Kris) Harper of Nashotah; and Amy (Michael) Johnson of Waukesha; her granddaughters, Emily Blunt, Peyton Harper, Caitlyn Harper, Carly Harper, and Alaina Harper; and her extended family, grandsons Clint Johnson, and Luke Johnson. She is further survived by a nephew, Jeff Buechler of Nashua, NH, nieces Carrie Sowers of New Ulm, MN, and Anne (Terry) Johnson of Windham, NH, and their families, including their father, David Buechler, of Manchester, NH. She was preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Irma Schiller; her sister, Johanna Buechler; her first husband, Robert Harper; and her second husband, William Buechler.

A visitation for Nadine will be held from 10am to 12 Noon, followed by a 12 Noon funeral service on Saturday, September 21st at Mount Calvary Ev. Lutheran Church (1941 Madison St., Waukesha).

Memorials are appreciated to Mount Calvary Ev. Lutheran Church.

“I know that my Redeemer lives; What comfort this sweet sentence gives!”