Robert Eugene Buckner

Robert Buckner of Benson passed away peacefully at the CCM Hospital and Clinic in Montevideo, Minnesota, June 28, 2025, at the age of 87. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday September 14, 2025, at Track Bar and Grill in Benson, Minnesota, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Robert Eugene Buckner was born December 5, 1937, in Benson, Minnesota to William and Alice (Hoiland) Buckner. He was baptized and later confirmed at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church. He grew up in Benson and graduated Benson High School in 1955. After graduation, he worked as a theater projectionist until he enlisted in the United States Navy in January 1957. He attended boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois; and then went on to Air Controlman school at Olathe Naval Air Station in Olathe, Nebraska. Upon completion of Air Controlman school, he was assigned to Naval Air Station Brunswick, Georgia. He proudly served in the Navy for five years as an Air Control Tower and Radar Operator.

After his service to our country, he returned to Minnesota in 1962 and attended what is now Central Lakes College in Staples, Minnesota, where he studied drafting and tool design. Upon completion of his degree, he accepted a job with an engineering company in St. Louis Park as a contract draftsman. He continued to advance in his drafting career with additional companies including IBM, Control Data, and Honeywell where he worked on designs for the Apollo Space Program.

In April 1965, he married Judith Smith in Caledonia, Minnesota. They made their home briefly in Hopkins, Minnesota and then moved to Benson in 1968. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Rebecca and Bradley.

Bob worked for Lorenz Manufacturing for several years, and then went to work for TCI/Tyler/Case. He worked in the purchasing department for 27 years, retiring in 2000. He also spent 20 years with the Benson Fire Department. Additionally, he was a member of Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, and a member of the American Legion.

Bob loved everything outdoors – hunting, fishing, camping, and gardening. He knew the area around Benson well and enjoyed road hunting for ditch chickens, or fishing on Lake Minnewaska. Over the years, he supported Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and the Deer Hunters Association. He was also a skilled woodworker and keep busy with projects during the long winters. Bob was also a loyal Minnesota sports supporter. He enjoyed watching the Vikings, Twins, all Gopher sports.

Bob is survived by his wife Judy; children: Becky (Michael) Hughes of Renville, MN and Brad (Jolissa) Buckner of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren: Emily (Andrew) Lund of Moorhead, MN and Tyler Buckner (USAF, Creech AFB, NV). Sister Laurel Johnson of Mahnomen, MN.

He is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Alice; brothers: Allen and Donald; sisters Marilyn, Judy, Beverly, and Ramona; brothers-in-law: Jim Rangaard, Marshal Skaalrud, Daryl Johnson, and sister-in-law Glenita Buckner.

Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Blessed be his memory.