Leon Thomas Buerck, 82, died Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at Heartwood Senior Living in Appleton, Wisconsin.
He was born Oct. 25, 1943, in Belgique, to Oscar and Gertrude (Hogard) Buerck.
Leon graduated from Perryville High School and Southeast Missouri State University.
On June 4, 1966, he married Julia Rausch in Perryville.
Over the course of his career, Leon worked as an accountant for many retail companies, which afforded his family the opportunity to live in many different states.
After retirement, Leon and Julia resided in Milford, Ohio, where he attended St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council #1263 in Perryville.
Leon and Julia had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother and made tens of thousands of rosaries, which were donated to many churches and missions across the United States and internationally.
Survivors include his daughter, Naomi (Rich) Benz of Appleton, Wis.; son, Brett (Ashley) Buerck of Florida; eight grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his brother-in-law, Greg (Kaye) Tindall.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Julia, in 2018; his parents, Oscar and Gertrude Buerck; three brothers; and a sister.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Association of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Leon’s name.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Menasha, Wisconsin.
Leon was laid to rest alongside Julia at St. Andrew Cemetery in Milford, Ohio.
