Stanley Lee Buckow

Stanley Lee Buckow, 91, passed away peacefully after a short stay at Gardenside in Fairbury, NE, February 14, 2026. He was born February 21, 1934 in Grand Island, NE to Emil Hans Carl and Alma (Wragge) Buckow. Stan attended grade school in Grand Island, the family moved to Lincoln, NE in 1945 and Stan graduated from Lincoln High School in 1952. After high school, Stan attended the University of Nebraska - Lincoln for one year. He then chose to join the United States Army in January 1954. He was sent to Fort Bliss, Texas and then Fort Ord, California for Basic Training. While at Ford Ord, Stan won the Marksmanship Award which came with the recognition of having his picture in the Fort Ord Gazette and earning a 3 day pass. After 18 weeks of Basic Training, Stan’s Army Unit was given their orders. 352 members were deployed to Korea and 4 members were sent to 5th Army Headquarters in Chicago, IL. Stan was one of the 4 soldiers sent to Chicago due to his one year of college and ability to type. His duties in Chicago were administrative tasks and the preparation of the morning report. He was also the Troop Information and Education NCO. In this capacity, Stan taught classes in Chemical and Biological Warfare. His Unit also received training in anti-aircraft artillery. Stan completed his tour of duty and was honorably discharged in December 1956. Stan returned to the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and attained his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1959. Following graduation, he was employed by Hawkeye Security as a Safety Engineer for a time and then moved to Denver, CO and accepted a position with Travelers Insurance as a Casualty Underwriter. He met Karen Lee Sukovaty and they were married August 5, 1961 in Wilber, NE. In 1964, the couple moved to Fairbury, NE and Stan formed a partnership with Dale Starr to create the Starr Buckow Insurance Agency. He continued his career there for many years until he retired in 2006. Stan and Karen had a daughter, Joni Marie, born in 1968. Stan was active in the Fairbury Elks Lodge, the Fairbury Chamber of Commerce as President, the Jefferson County Hospital Board for 8 years, the Fairbury Jaycees and the Fairbury Methodist Church. In 1978, the family moved to the family farm where Stan was active with farming and raising registered Polled Hereford cattle. Stan and Karen established Poll Terra Pastures as their business name. Stan was active in the Nebraska Polled Hereford Association. He served on the Board of Directors and as President for 2 years. Additionally, he served as President of the Nebraska Midwest Polled Hereford Association. He had a love for the outdoors enjoying hunting, fishing and golfing plus any Husker sporting activity. Family was important to Stan as he loved working alongside both his father in law and more recently son in law. The joy of grandparenthood rewarded Stan with three grandsons and he loved attending their activities and supporting them in everything. Even in the last few weeks he was always asking Karen what the boys are doing. Stan is preceded in death by his parents and older sister Nola (Joe) Fogo. Stan is survived by his wife of 64 years, Karen; daughter, Joni (Bill) Runge; grandsons Taylor, Brendon and Jamison Runge. Services will be Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the Methodist Church in Fairbury. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5 - 7. Memorials in lieu of flowers will go to the Family's Choice. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

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