Barbara J. Engebretsen Buettner

Barbara J. Engebretsen Buettner, age 80, of Gillett, entered into eternal rest on Friday, June 28, 2024, surrounded by her family. Barb was born on April 22, 1944. in Green Bay to the late Edwin and Gertrude (Wagner) Kallies. She was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bonduel and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pulcifer. Barb was a 1962 graduate of Gillett High School. On July 27, 1963, Barb married her high school sweetheart, Allen Engebretsen, at Bethel Lutheran Church. Barb and Allen farmed and raised their family on the Engebretsen family farm, which was homesteaded in 1883 and is currently being farmed by their sons, which are the fifth generation to farm the land. In addition to farming, Barb also worked for a short time as a bookkeeper at the former Farmers Elevator in Green Valley and at the former Mueller’s Gifts in Gillett. Allen preceded Barb in death on June 25, 2014. On Sept. 30, 2017, Barb was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Buettner at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bonduel. Barb and Bob enjoyed traveling and spending time with family. Bob preceded her in death on May 19, 2022. Barb was very involved in her community. In 1980, she joined Gillett Area Ambulance Service and became a nationally registered emergency medical technician. While a member, Barb faithfully served her community, responding to medical emergencies for 40 years. She also served in various leadership roles while a member. Barb was a member of the Oconto County Dairy Promotions Committee and along with her husband, Allen, co-chaired several of the first Breakfast on the Farm celebrations that were held in Oconto County. Barb was co-chair of the 4th of July celebrations for several years. In 2011, Barb and Allen were honored to be the grand marshals of the Gillett 4th of July Parade where they rode through the parade route in a horse-drawn carriage. She was a member for several years in both the Gillett Homemakers and Gillett Women’s Club. Barb was also a member of the Gillett FFA Alumni. In 2014, Barb was honored to be a recipient of the Rural-Urban Award in honor of her many years of community service. Barb’s faith was very important to her. She was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church where she served several terms as church treasurer. She also was a WELCA member and served in various offices. Barb is survived by her children, Julie (Terry) Yonker, Jeffrey (Cynthia) and Chris (Vicki); grandchildren, Joshua (Marie), Jacob and Taylor Yonker, Brenda, Justin and Riley Engebretsen, and Connor Engebretsen; great-grandchildren, Callen and one on the way; sister, Shirley Wegner; sister-in-law, Helen Kallies; brother-in-law, Donnie Hinkfuss. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Allen and Bob; brothers, Maynard Kallies and Willis Kallies; sister, Delores (Duane) Horsens; brother-in-law, Melvin Wegner; sister-in-law, Rosalie Hinkfuss; niece, Renee Runge. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 7, 2024. at Bethel Lutheran Church from 4-7 p.m. Visitation resumes on Monday, July 8, 2024, at Bethel Lutheran Church from 9 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Keith Sorlie officiating. Barb will be interred at Bethel Lutheran Cemetery. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.