Mr. Eugene Walter ‘Gene’ Buettner, beloved husband of Mrs. Karen Buettner of Blackfalds, Alberta, passed from this life into the eternal presence of his Lord, following a well-fought battle with many years of illness, at the Red Deer Regional Hospital on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at the age of 68 years. Gene was born at Medicine Hat, Alberta on February 12.1951 to Alice and Paul Buettner, and was raised in Red Deer. He attended Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School and later went back to school to obtain his GED. Gene passionately pursued many hobbies and interests throughout his life with 100% effort and enthusiasm, which included his children and the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Team and life-long learning. He especially liked having grand-children. He became a member of the Home Church in the early seventies where he made a commitment to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He attended the Word of Life Bible College and later Gene served as a Pastor at the Word of Life Church locations in Ponoka and Wetaskiwin. Gene was married to Marilyn Davies, with whom he had four children. He later pursued a life of music with his band and then later returned to his commitment to church and family. His main passion was playing guitar and singing in the worship services. Following the breakdown of his marriage he moved to British Columbia; where he later had a serious bike accident that nearly claimed his life. He attended Douglas College Dispensing Opticianry Program in the lower mainland of British Columbia following the bike accident. However, due to limited mobility following a bike accident, he was unable to work in this field and he returned to drywall, taping and texturizing business. After many months of recuperating and physio therapy, his trust in the Lord was once again demonstrated when he had surgery for bladder cancer and since that time, he has been put to test on numerous occasions over the past few years. His spirit was marked by his wonderful sense of humour, tenacity and faith. Gene came back to Red Deer in 2006, to be closer to his Mom and his children. In 2008 he met the love of his life, Karen and they were married the following year as they were united in their zest for life and in their faith. Despite the numerous health challenges their union remained strong and vibrant. Gene will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Karen Buettner, his children, Jared and his wife, Melanie of Lynn Valley district of Red Deer, Jocelyn Thate of Red Deer, Tyson Buettner of Red Deer and Chelsea McKay and her husband James of Sylvan Lake, Alberta, four grandchildren, Korbin, Kohen and Kinsley Buettner and Ryker Thate. He will also be fondly remembered by his sister, Elaine Salm and her husband Ralph, of Red Deer and a host of nieces and nephews. Gene was predeceased by his parents, brother, Ronnie and his sister, Carol. A Celebration of Gene’s Life will be held at Home Church, 1 England Way (south on Taylor Drive at Highway 2A), Red Deer, Alberta on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Bryce Birmingham officiating. If desired donations in Gene’s honor may be made directly to the Home of Hope in care of www.homeofhope.ca or The Kidney Foundation of Canada in care of www.kidney.ca.

Arrangements in care of:

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer),

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER.

• Date : 2019-12-28
• Location : www.ParklandFuneralHome.com