Jack LeRoy Buehler

It is with heavy hearts, but with an immense amount of gratitude for a life exceptionally well-lived, that we share the passing of Jack LeRoy Buehler. Born in 1940, in Eureka, California, to Swiss immigrants Rosina and Traugott “Papa John” Zuberbuehler, Jack passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026, in Boise, Idaho, surrounded by his loving family.

Jack was the youngest of three children. Growing up in an immigrant family, particularly in the Orick and Klamath area, shaped the man he would become. His parents instilled in him a strong work ethic, a deep appreciation for community, a commitment to family, and a love of a good story. Those qualities stayed with Jack throughout his entire life.

After graduating from Arcata High School in 1958, Jack proudly served in the United States Army. He often spoke fondly of his military years, including his time at Fort Ord, California; Fort Chaffee, Arkansas; and near Munich, Germany, where he spent the majority of his Army service. His service was an important chapter in a life defined by commitment, responsibility, and a willingness to serve others.

Following his military service, Jack enrolled at Humboldt State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History. He was a proud member of the TKE fraternity and returned for a fifth year to earn his teaching credential. A few years later, he continued his education and earned his Master’s degree in History.

Jack understood the value of hard work and education firsthand. To help pay for college, he spent his summers working in local sawmills. That combination of determination, education, and practical experience became a hallmark of his life and career.

For the next 30 years, Jack dedicated himself to the McKinleyville Union School District as an educator and administrator. He poured his heart into teaching, mentoring, and leading, positively impacting generations of students, teachers, and families. He retired in 1995, but retirement never meant stepping away from education. Jack continued to give back by supervising student teachers for Humboldt State University, helping prepare the next generation of educators.

Jack's impact reached far beyond the classroom. He was a natural civic leader who believed strongly in giving back to his community. He served as a board member for both Mad River Community Hospital and the Arcata Fire District and spent many years as a Hunter Safety Instructor. Whether he was serving on a board, teaching a young person, mentoring an educator, or simply sharing his knowledge and experience, Jack had a lasting influence on countless people.

Perhaps most importantly, it was during his college years that Jack met the love of his life, Alice Thomson. Jack and Alice were married on February 11, 1967, and for nearly 60 years they were inseparable partners in life, family, adventure, and devotion. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, friendships, and countless memories.

Jack was a true outdoorsman. He was an accomplished hunter, fisherman, clam digger, and water skier, and he loved sharing those passions with the people around him. He patiently passed his skills and knowledge down to his sons, John and Mark, teaching them not only how to enjoy the outdoors, but also how to appreciate the experiences and traditions that came with it.

He was also an incredibly proud father. Whether coaching youth sports or sitting on the sidelines cheering John and Mark through their youth and high school games, Jack was always there. His sons knew they could count on him—not only for his support, but for his wisdom, encouragement, humor, and unwavering belief in them.

In retirement, Jack and Alice embraced another shared passion: travel. Together they explored the world, experiencing new places and cultures and making memories that would last a lifetime. For the last 17 years, they returned multiple times each year to his favorite resort in San José del Cabo. There, Jack and Alice made lifelong friends and created a second home filled with sunshine, laughter, and some of their happiest retirement memories.

When Jack wasn't outdoors, traveling, or spending time with family and friends, he could often be found comfortably settled into his favorite recliner, passionately following his favorite sports teams. And while he enjoyed plenty of teams, there was no question where his heart was—Jack proudly and enthusiastically rooted for his beloved Duke Blue Devils.

Jack lived a big life, and “Big Jack” was a fitting name. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, educator, mentor, community leader, outdoorsman, traveler, storyteller, and friend. He had a gift for making an impression on people and leaving them with a story, a lesson, a laugh, or a memory they would carry with them.

Jack is now reunited with his parents, Traugott and Rosina; his sister, Marguerite; his brother, Walter; and a formidable crew of loyal hunting dogs and border collies who undoubtedly greeted him with wagging tails on the other side.

He leaves behind his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Alice Buehler; his sons and daughters-in-law, John and Rhonda Buehler and Mark and Monica Buehler; his cherished grandsons, Jack and Ryan Buehler; his brother-in-law Glen Thomson and wife Denise; his “brother” nephew Bruce Ruggles; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins in California, Wisconsin, and Switzerland; and his loyal sidekick, Boco, the border collie.

While Jack will be deeply missed, his influence will live on through the many people he taught, mentored, coached, encouraged, served, and loved. His greatest legacy is not simply what he accomplished, but the lives he touched along the way.

Jack lived fully, loved deeply, worked hard, served others, and never missed an opportunity for an adventure. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories—and a family and community grateful to have been part of them.

Service and Celebration of Life

Date & Time: Friday August 14th. Viewing at 4:00 PM, Service at 4:30 PM Location: Bowman Funeral Parlor 10254 W. Carlton Bay Dr. Garden City, ID.  For those able to attend there will be a celebration of life immediately following the service.  

Livestream: For family and friends unable to travel, a live broadcast of the service will be available below.

Memorial Contributions and Gratitude

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Big Jack’s name to Assistance League Boise at Donate – Assistance League of Boise

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to St. Luke’s Hospital (Boise) and Hospice Care team members.