Waltzed his way through the open gates of Heaven into the waiting arms of many family members and friends on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the age of 92.
Ferd was born on May 1, 1933, to Ferdinand and Ruth (nee Peterson) Buchel and was the oldest of three boys. He was born in Town of Scott, raised in Beechwood. He later moved to Milwaukee, where he resided in West Milwaukee for many years before moving back to his "Paradise Valley" in Beechwood in 2001.
He married Dolores ( nee Colbo) on October 2, 1954, and spent over 43 years together until her passing in 1997. They were blessed with one daughter, Cynthia (Cindy) or 'Tiger' as he loved to call her.
He was a hard-working man his entire life. He worked on the family farm throughout his childhood and then enlisted in the Air Force, where he served, going to the Korean War. His service time was cut short due to the tragic death of his father and his need to return home to help with family duties. He was a proud Veteran and was blessed with the opportunity to go on an Honor Flight in 2018.
He then worked for almost 30 years at Coca-Cola. After his retirement , he worked for several different beer distributors throughout of all Milwaukee County.
For almost 30 years, on every Friday and Saturday nights, you would find him strolling with many wonderful musicians in the dining room of the Alpine Village or doing wedding announcements and ringing of the bell in the back hall. A true Buchel legacy.
Ferd has his own band, The Ferd Buchel Orchestra for several decades and released two albums during that time. He played with many musicians in and around Wisconsin as well as across the U.S. His music brought smiles to many faces, spreading joy and happiness through his love and passion for music. He and his band also sponsored and ran three trips to Europe with many of his fans and was also blessed with being able to return to his homeland two other times.
He was blessed to find another love with Jackie in 1999 and they enjoyed over 20 years of marriage until her passing in August 2024. He (and she) always lived each day to the fullest, never having any regrets and thanked God daily for all their blessings. To know him was to love him. He loved everyone and everyone loved him. He made unnumerable amounts of friendships throughout his life and he cherished each and every one of them.
Ferd is survived by his daughter, Cindy (Tiger as he called her) Todd Seefeldt; stepchildren, Scott and Sue Seefeldt, Cindy and Rob Bergmann; proud grandfather or PaPa to Sheila and Joel Voigt, Shauna Seefeldt (Jason Bjelkengren), Amanda (Mandy - his My Oh Baby Doll) and Aarick Koblylinski, Victoria (Peanut) and Jacob Peterson, Jacob Buchel, Joshua (Papas Oscar) Seefeldt, Tyler McEachern, Kaitlyn Bergmann, Justyn Bergmann; and great-grandfather to Brody, Riley, Odin, Henrik, Elli, Runi, Analaya, AJ, Ace, Andres, Ares, Jasmine and Aubrey. He is further survived by his brothers, Ralph (Sue) Buchel and Gerald (Diane) Buchel; in addition to nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parent and wives, Dolores and Jackie.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 19, at Phillip Funeral Home, 1420 Paradise Drive, West Bend, Wisconsin, from 2 until 5 p.m. with memorial service to follow, officiated by Pastor Peter Unnasch, and Honor Guard Salute to follow. It was his wish for NO flowers. Memorials to the family appreciated. The memorial service will be livestreamed on the Phillip Funeral Home Facebook Live.
A Celebration of Life party is planned for Saturday, May 2, at The Bavieran Bierhaus, 700 W Lexington Blvd., Glendale, WI, from 2 p.m. to 6:00 pm. EVERYONE IS INVITED AND WELCOME. Please all musicians bring your instruments and Let's Have a Party per his wishes. Food, beer,and soda will be served.
