Earl Buehler

Earl G. Buehler, 74, died on, February 11, 2014 in Madison, WI after a two year struggle with a MRSA infection and other medical problems. Earl was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 28, 1939 to Elmer F. and Lorena A. Buehler. He grew up in Port Washington and following his graduation from Port Washington High School in 1957, Earl attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison and graduated in 1961 with a major in political science. Earl enrolled in the University of Wisconsin Law School and obtained his JD in 1964. In 1963, while in law school, Earl married his childhood sweetheart Sue Larson and together they raised four sons.

Most of Earl's career was spent as an attorney for the State of Wisconsin, in Madison. Earl had the good fortune to represent the people of the State of Wisconsin three times before the Wisconsin Supreme Court and won two of the three cases.

For Earl, Masonry has been a way of life. At the age of 13 he joined Lincoln Dhapter, Order of DeMolay. In 1957, he was recognized and honored as the Outstanding DeMolay for Wisconsin. He is a past president of the United Masonic Board for DeMolay in Wisconsin.

Earl became a Master Mason in Ozaukee Lodge #17 in Port Washington, WI in 1964. He is also a member of Madison Lodge #5 in Madison, WI and Armistead-Bingham Lodge #1862, a Civil-War Research Lodge.

In 1973, Earl joined Scottish Rite, Valley of Madison. He was Commander-in-Chief of Madison Consistory from 1996-1998. In 2005, he received the 33rd degree. Earl is also a Sir Knight of Robert Macoy Commandery #3 and served as Commander from 2003-2005. He is a member of Royal Arch Masons #4 and Royal and Select Masons, #3.

Earl joined Zor Shrine in 1981. He was a member of the Camel Patrol, Pipes and Drums Unit, Concert Band, and Madison and Lakeland Shrine Clubs. Earl served as Potentate in 2001. For the past 9 years, Earl served on the Board of Governors for the Shrine Hospital in Chicago and has made over 200 trips driving children to the Shrine Hospital there. Earl is also a member of Tripoli Shrine in Milwaukee. Earl's other Masonic affiliations include Red Cross of Constantine, where he is a Past Sovereign, the Royal Order of Scotland, Rosicrucians, Knight Templar Priests and Royal Order of Jesters.

Until recently, Earl served as president of the Madison Masonic Center Foundation Board. He was a charter member of the Board of Directors for the Madison Dyslexia Learning Center and served on the board for 12 years.

Earl is a past president of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Dane County and recipient of the Fritschler Award. Earl is past National president of the American Association of Public Welfare Attorneys. He is a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and was a leader in local Madison area Cub Scout and Boy Scout troops.

One of Earl's greatest pleasures was traveling. He and Sue took both of their grandchildren on special trips. They also did several family trips and through the years they visited more than 50 countries.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sue; four sons, Gregg (Kim), Gary, Mark, Steven; two grandchildren, Megan and Alex Buehler; sister, Barbara (Gene) Wengert; and many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by both parents, Elmer and Lorena Buehler; step mother, Glady; and his in-laws, Judge Charles and Pat Larson.

Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 16 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. A Masonic Service will be at 7:00 p.m. followed by a Rose and Salt service. Funeral service will be held on Monday, February 17 at GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5701 Raymond Road, Madison at 11:00 a.m. with visitation for one hour prior.

Memorials in Earl's name can be made to Shriner's Hospitals for Children, Madison Masonic Center Foundation, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, or Attic Angel Resident Aid Fund. The family wishes to thank the staff at UW Hospital and Agrace Hospice for their wonderful care.