Elizabeth Jean Bucher, age 91 of Lebanon, IL, died Monday, June 2, 2025, at her home in Lebanon, IL.
She was born on Friday, January 4, 1934, in Staunton, IL, the daughter of Edward and Anna (nee Garde) Hodapp.
On Saturday, November 27, 1954, she married James Ignatius Bucher at St. Michael’s Church in Staunton, IL, who passed away on Wednesday, October 31, 2012.
She was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church.
Elizabeth was born and grew up in Staunton, Illinois. She graduated Staunton High School in 1951, then attended nursing school at DePaul School of Nursing in St. Louis, Missouri. Elizabeth met and married James and together they raised 12 children. They lived in Austin, Dayton, St. Louis and finally moved to Marine in 1971. In 2012, she moved to Lebanon and lived with her daughter.
As a registered nurse, Elizabeth spent 17 years at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland, Illinois, and also 17 years at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Missouri. Elizabeth was a talented seamstress and a great cook. She loved entering and winning contests on the radio. She enjoyed couponing as a past time, as well as going to auctions.
Survivors include:
- Daughter – Elizabeth H. “Beth” Smith, Edwardsville, IL
- Daughter – Ret. Col. Christine M. Bucher, Lebanon, IL
- Son – James I. Bucher, MD
- Son – Lawrence J. Bucher, Marine, IL
- Daughter – Kathleen C. (Peter Wolynes, PhD) Bucher, Houston, TX
- Daughter – Theresa A. Bucher
- Daughter – Mary M. (Ret. Lt. Col. Patrick) Lindauer, DDS, Keller, TX
- Son – John C. (Irma) Bucher, Sierra Vista, AZ
- Son – Thomas E. Bucher
- Daughter – Monica M. (Michael) Protz, CO
- Son – Timothy P. (Tracy Landuyt) Bucher, St. Louis, MO
- Grandchildren – 17
- Great Grandchildren – 7
- Sister – Rita F. (Tony) Forneris, Collinsville, IL
- Sister – Kathleen C. (Paul) Gross, Springfield, VA
She was preceded in death by:
- Husband – James Ignatius Bucher
- Father – Edward Casper Hodapp
- Mother – Anna Cordelia Hodapp, nee Garde
- Daughter – Patricia A. Bucher
- Sister – June Fix
- Sister – Marquerite A. Ayuso
- Sister – Mary L. Jennings
- Sister – Shirley A. Hines
- Brother – John E. Hodapp
- Brother – James J. Hodapp
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL and from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Monday, June 9, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Marine, IL.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Monday, June 9, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Marine, IL, with Fr. John P. Beveridge, officiating.
Interment will be at St. Elizabeth Catholic Cemetery in Marine, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to Patricia Anne Bucher Memorial Fund @ University of Pittsburg/Medical School or St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church.
