Gene Byron Buettner was born on July 3, 1951, in Shawano to Ida (Adams) and Ernest Buettner Sr.
Gene graduated from Shawano High School in 1969. In 1970, he chose to serve our country by joining the U.S. Navy, even spending some of his time in Spain.
He married Sandra (Darrow) Krauski in 1973. They were able to live all over the country as he served and with his career in retail. They then settled in Minnesota, where they were blessed with a set of twins, Matthew and Chrystie. Gene loved the western lifestyle, and the family would eventually move to Billings, Montana.
Gene was fortunate enough to have a second chance at love and met his soulmate, Sharon Ochs. Along with her daughter, Kathy, they were able to create one large blended family.
Gene was a very loving, kind man. He very much enjoyed cooking on his Traeger, sports and watching NASCAR races. Go Packers!
Gene was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ida and Ernest Sr., along with his brother, Ernest Buettner Jr., and sister, Bonnie Buettner (Mier).
He is survived by his brother, Dale Sr.; his love and soul mate, Sharon; children, Matthew (John), Chrystie and Kathy (Brian); and grandchildren; as well as many friends, relatives and “kids” who grew up around the Buettner household.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made directly to the family or to Independence Hall, 710 Lake Elmo Drive, Billings, MT 59105, in memory of Gene Buettner, to assist our veterans trying to get back on their feet, which Gene very much supported. He was always there to lend a hand.