Kazuko M. Buckett passed peacefully home to heaven on the evening of June 29th, 2025. She was 94 years old. Born to Saburo and Hide Ohtani in Sapporo, Japan in 1931, she was one of eight siblings. She graduated from Hokusei University, majoring in English. After graduation, she worked as an interpreter at Chitose Air Base in Hokkaido, Japan, where she met Patrick Buckett who was serving in the U.S. Army. They married and eventually moved to Merrill, Wisconsin, in 1969 where they’ve lived until recently. Kazuko dedicated her life to being a loving mother and grandmother. She was a long-time school volunteer and girl scout leader, and was skilled in arts and crafts, especially sewing, knitting, and origami. She also loved choral singing.
Kazis survived by her husband, Pat, her daughters, Mary (Norm Tiedemann) and Laura (Andy McCrohan), and her two granddaughters, Kelly and Daniela (Theodoros Kalfas). She joins her brothers, 2 of her sisters, her granddaughter, Natalie, and many more loved ones in heaven. Kaz would enter the room a stranger and leave as a close friend to everyone. Her memory will live on in these countless friends she made throughout her life and the smiles she created in everyone around her.
A Funeral MassforKazuko will be held on Friday, July 18, at 11:30 AM at St. Francis Xavier Church (1708 E. 10th St., Merrill, WI 54452). Luncheon to follow at the church.
