John Bueckers

John Andrew Bueckers passed away peacefully, at his home in Pine River, Minnesota, on December 15, 2025. John was born November 23, 1940, to Phillip and Henrietta Bueckers (Tieman) at home in Northome, Minnesota. He grew up and attended school in Northome, Minnesota until moving with his family to Bigfork, Minnesota in the 6th grade.

After high school graduation he worked at a grocery store in Bigfork for a few years and then enlisted in the Air Force in 1963 and proudly served for 4 years.

In 1967 he married Marilyn Kocian at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Bigfork, Minnesota. They moved to New Richmond, Wisconsin where his grocery life continued. They then moved to Pequot Lakes, Minnesota for a grocery opportunity and this move eventually led them to Pine River, Minnesota. In 1968 he and Marilyn purchased the IGA grocery store in downtown Pine River. An opportunity arose for them to sell the IGA and to purchase the Red Owl store in Pine River. After the 1972 purchase of the Red Owl, in 1977 they purchased land outside of Pine River on Hwy 371. They built a new grocery store on this site, and it is still operating and managed by their son, John, as Hugo’s grocery store.

John’s family was an important part of his life and that could be seen through the many school, church, and community functions he supported. He was an avid sports fan and faithfully supported his children and grandchildren.

Over the years, John was active in the Pine River Chamber, Sanitary Sewer District, Pine River Golf Course, Barclay Township Board, and Pine River State Bank Board of Directors. He also supported the Pine River Golf Course project, building of the bowling alley and community group homes, and served in many church positions.

John’s retirement came early following a series of health problems, but he continued to enjoy the family hunting camp which is located west of Bigfork. He and Marilyn also enjoyed many winters in Clearwater Beach, Florida.

John entered a spiritual journey in 2010 when he and Marilyn were welcomed by the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls as Franciscan Associates.

John was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and through the years he was a positive mentor to many young employees through his grocery business.

John is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn (Kocian) and 7 children: Jeanne (Todd) Travis, Lynn (Chuck) Welte, John (Jessie) Bueckers, Barbara (Richard) Mitchell, Thomas (Trina) Bueckers, James Bueckers, Joseph (Deondra) Bueckers; 28 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; sister, Karen Pifher; brother, Mark (Lillie) Bueckers; and sister-in-law, JoAnn Bueckers.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Henrietta Bueckers; brother-in-law, Skip Pifher; brother, Richard Bueckers; sister and brother-in-law, Cliff and JoAnn Nordly; and granddaughter, Rachel Bueckers.

He was our gentle giant and we will miss him dearly.

A special thank you to Good Samaritan Hospice and Home Instead of their love and support. All donations will be gifted to the Pine River Area Food Shelf.

A visitation for John will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Sunday, December 21st from 5 PM-7 PM with rosary prayers at 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 PM on Monday, December 22nd, at the same location, with a visitation the hour prior.