Raymond Buchholz

Raymond William Buchholz age 95 of Nashua, IA, died Friday, March 31, 2017, at the VA Medical Center in Iowa City. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 6, 2017, at Faith United Church of Christ In Tripoli with Rev. Debbie J. Buchholz presiding. Interment will be held in Faith Cemetery, Tripoli with Brian Schaufenbuel, Jason Schaufenbuel, Jimmy Hyde, Troy Buchholz, Doug Buchholz, and John Wolf serving as pallbearers. Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home - Olson Chapel in Nashua. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church in Tripoli on Thursday. Raymond William Buchholz was born September 10, 1921, in rural Bremer County, IA, the son of Herman and Louise (Bergman) Buchholz. He received his education in rural country school near Tripoli through the 8th grade. Raymond began farming the family farm with his dad for several years before entering the United States Army. He served in the United States Army during World War II in the First Special Service Force also known as the “Devil's Brigade” an American-Canadian commando unit where he fought in combat in Africa, Northern Italy, France, and the Liberation of Norway. He was awarded 5 Silver Star's and The Purple Heart for Valor. In 2014 Ray was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by the United States Government for his service with the First Special Service Force. After returning home, Raymond was united in marriage to Joan Cosby of Sumner, IA, on December 15, 1946, at Faith United Church, Tripoli. The couple farmed east of Tripoli for many years, and Ray also worked at White Farm Equipment in Charles City. The couple moved to Nashua where Ray continued to work for White until his retirement. Joan passed away in 1986. He then met Sandy Brewer and the couple spent many years together. Ray enjoyed mowing lawn, going out to eat, tinkering with farm equipment, going to farm sales and auctions, playing cards, and decorating for Christmas. Ray is survived by his significant other, Sandra Brewer of Nashua, IA; eight children, Larry (Mary Lou) Buchholz of West Chicago, IL, Marilyn Schaufenbuel of Waverly, IA, Raymond (Tammy) Buchholz of Godfrey, IL, Phyllis (Doug Porath) Hyde of Waverly, IA, David Buchholz of Fayette, IA, Roger (Kathie) Buchholz of Waterloo, IA, Allen (Debbie) Buchholz of Olathe, KS, Barry (Deborah) Buchholz of Knoxville, TN; 28 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild; brother, Lawrence Buchholz of Des Moines, IA. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Joan Margaret in 1986; son Ronald in 2008; four brothers, Elmer, Clarence, Herman, and Clifford Buchholz; sister, Gertrude Meier; daughter-in-law, Rosalie Buchholz; four grandchildren.