Walter Saffran

Walter “Buck” Saffran passed away on July 19, 2022. He was born on Aug. 25, 1943, to Eunice (Bunn) and Leo Saffran in Oconto. Leo died when Buck was 3. In 1953, Eunice married Ernest “Hank” Saffran who served as Buck’s father figure. Buck graduated from Oconto Falls High School in 1961 and from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1972 with a degree in accounting. In 1987, he earned his certified public accountant license.

Buck was a lifelong bachelor who enjoyed hunting, trout fishing, and fishing trips to Canada. He spent many days at his parents’ cottage on Crooked Lake shooting the breeze and playing horseshoes and sheepshead.

Buck spent most of his adult life living in Milwaukee. He had many friends there with whom he played cribbage, participated in home run derbies, and visited local establishments. He and his friends had season tickets to the Brewers and UW hockey. His most cherished moments included attending the Ice Bowl and the 1999 Rose Bowl.

Buck will be remembered for his quick wit and as a great gift giver. He always made sure to get gifts for all the kids, including his brother when younger, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and of late great-great-nieces. This included shopping for perfumes, lotions and makeup for his nieces.

Close friends of Buck may smile when they hear that instead of complaining about his pain in his final day, he just said he was very over-served the night before.

Buck will be fondly remembered by brother, Ken, and his wife, Karlyn; nieces, Laura (Matt) Kroening, Suzanne (Steve) Aubrey, and Katie Saffran; nephews, Rob Perdue and Karl (Kari) Saffran; great and great-great nieces and nephews Meghan, Nathan, Jacob, Preslie, Morgan, Mitch, Rachel, Anni, Margot, Hazel, Birdie, and Cameron; lifelong friends Bud and Perry and his hunting buddy, Jeff.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leo; stepfather, Hank; mother, Eunice; and sister, Sandy.

The family wants to thank the staff at Country Villa Assisted Living in Freedom for their very kind and compassionate care.

Burial took place in Woodlawn Cemetery in Oconto Falls. A celebration of life will be held on Aug. 20, 2022, at Northland Pub in Appleton from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Packers, Badgers, or Brewers sports attire is very welcome.

In lieu of donations or flowers, please spend some extra time with family or donate to a favorite charity.

Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.