Vernor B. "Ike" Bucher, age 85, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2009, in his Monclova Township home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born March 10, 1924, to Herbert and Clara Bucher of Whitehouse. A veteran of WWII, he served as a mechanic in the armament division of the 450th Bomber Group stationed in Italy.

Upon discharge Vern worked as a carpenter and superintendent for the McKinnon-Parker company. In 1961, he, with his wife Mary, purchased their first of three nursing homes. Together they owned the Hillcrest Care Center, Waterville, Bucher's Country Home, Swanton, and the Elizabeth Scott Memorial Care Center in Maumee.

Ike enjoyed life. He was an avid golfer, he enjoyed traveling, boating and remodeling projects. However, his greatest joy was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his loving wife of 62 years, Mary A. (Scott), he is survived by his children, Mona (Philip) Witker, Wayne (Patricia) Bucher, Paul (Deborah) Bucher, and Kay (Michael) Messinger; grandchildren Lizbeth (Robert) Cooley, Tamara (David) Fitch, Paul B. Bucher, Philip (Erin) Witker, Jennifer Bucher, Matthew (Jean) Bucher, Sarah (Scott) Brossia, Allyson Bucher and David Conkey; great-grand-children, Emily, Zachary, Jessica, Abigail, Olivia, Madalynn, and his brother, Orville Bucher; sisters, Esther St. John and Lillian Engler.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his three brothers and six sisters.

Family and friends may visit Tuesday, July 28, 2009 from 3-8 p.m. at the Peinert Funeral Home, 6603 Providence St., Whitehouse. Funeral services will begin at the funeral home 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2009. Interment will follow at the Roth Cemetery in Monclova Township.

Family would like to thank the staff at St. Luke's Hospital and Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care.

Memorial tributes may be given to Alzheimer's Association of Northwest Ohio.

Published in Toledo Blade from July 27 to July 28, 2009