Michael H. Buettner, age 65, of Collinsville, IL, born on May 6, 1961 in East St. Louis, IL, died on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at his residence, with his loving family at his side.
Mike was employed by Phillips Construction as a plasterer for 42 years, working in the same trade as his dad, uncle, brother, and son. He was a proud member of Plasters’ Local # 3 in St. Louis, MO. Mike took great pride in his work, his craftsmanship, and the friendships he built throughout his career.
With his endless curiosity and love for learning that never faded, Mike will be remembered as an avid piddler. He was always creating, fixing, figuring out how something worked, or discovering a new hobby. Mike was all in. He had a remarkable ability to turn his passions into true talents and found great joy in sharing them with the people he loved. Whether playing music, creating beautiful stained-glass pieces, or crafting something in his workshop, Mike poured his heart into everything he did.
Mike had lifelong love of model trains that began with his dad and was shared later with his kids and grandchildren. Among his favorite days were those spent boating at the Lake of the Ozarks with his beautiful wife and family, where memories were made that will be cherished forever. Over the years, he also loved tinkering with his many Jeeps, always dreaming up new improvements to them. He never outgrew the thrill of riding his motorcycle on back roads, just as he had done as a teenager.
Above all else, Mike’s greatest joy was his family. He will be forever loved and deeply missed by his wife of 44 years, Tracie Anne, nee Muelhauser, Buettner; his three children who adored him, Ryan (Laura) Buettner of Maryville, IL, Danielle (Adam) Kress of Collinsville, IL, and Andrew (Rebecca) Buettner of Maryville, IL; his five beautiful grandchildren, Owen Niemeier, Ella Niemeier, Henry Buettner, Cora Buettner, and Wes Buettner; his loving mom, Ruth Buettner of Collinsville, IL; his brother, Tim (Candy ) Buettner of Collinsville, IL who was his best friend and co-worker of many years; and his large extended family. Mike’s father, Frank Buettner, preceded him in death.
Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.
Memorial Service be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL, with Pastor Dale Meyer officiating. Interment will be at a later date at Holy Cross Cemetery, Collinsville, IL.
