Harold L Buettner

Born September 27, 1915, to Albert & Anna (Sperberg) Buettner in the Township of Richmond, Shawano County, Wisconsin.

Attended Forest School, completing the 8th grade. After completing his schooling, worked for various farmers in the area.

Enlisted in the Army in January of 1941. Completed basic training at Camp Grant outside of Rockford, Illinois. Received training as a dental assistant at Ft. Bliss, Texas. After training, joined the 204th General Hospital at Ft. Bliss. Departed San Francisco in April 1942 with the 204th bound for Hawaii via troop transport, recalled watching the Golden Gate Bridge disappear in the distance. Did not enjoy the boat ride.

Was stationed in Hawaii with the hospital until December of 1944, when the hospital deployed to the island of Guam. Spent the remainder of the war on the island of Guam. Also spent some time on the atoll of Kanton, south of the equator, with a detachment from the hospital. Recalled there being only one palm tree on the island, and the island, being made up of coral, was very tough on your boots.

At the war’s end, was discharged from the Army in October 1945 through Ft. Lewis, Washington.

Upon his return from the war, worked for a time driving a logging truck before becoming a farmer in the Township of Richmond.

On September 18, 1948, was united in marriage to Phyliss Martzke. Together they had two children, Janet in 1949 and Keith in 1952.

He continued to farm until September of 1964, when fire destroyed the barn and forced him out of farming to find other employment. He worked several years as a carpenter and cement mason before finding employment with the Phoenix Garage Door Company. He worked there until his retirement in September 1977.

He spent his retirement years hobby farming, raising steers, traveling a bit with his wife and friends, hunting, and putting puzzles together.

He died on March 11, 2014, at the age of 98.