Dennis Charles Bucek Obituary
Our beloved father, grandfather, brother and husband, Dennis Charles Bucek passed away at the age of 75 on December 24, 2020. Dennis (known as Denny) was the son of Leonard and Hazel Bucek, who preceded him in death.
Denny is survived by his wife of 20 years, Vera Bucek, his daughters Michelle Heverly and Jennifer Bucek, his sisters Virginia Zacharias and Janice Eggers, his grandchildren Elizabeth, Robert, Maxwell, Lucas, Hannah and Joshua, and his first wife Mary Kellett. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, other extended family members, many dear friends, and two precious dogs: Carmello (Mello Man) and Chili Bean Pie.
Denny was born in Mankato, Minnesota and was raised on the family farm in Elysian. He spent his childhood having many outdoor adventures with his sisters, including fishing, horseback riding and hunting. He attended Waterville High School and Mankato State University. Dennis enlisted in the Air Force in 1966 to serve his country in Vietnam and was deployed outside of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) for approximately two years.
Following his graduation from college, Denny worked for Ernst & Young, Honeywell, Denver’s RTD and Coherent Laser. Denny retired in 2007 as the Senior Vice President of Finance and Treasurer of Coherent. Following retirement Denny and Vera lived in Northern California, Las Vegas, Panama, Houston, and eventually Los Angeles, where he was in good health and enjoyed activities with his friends and family until his sudden illness in late 2020.
Denny lived his life with vigor to the end – having a great sense of humor and a jovial spirit. He loved to tell jokes and to be with friends. He was a dedicated grandfather who would do anything for his grandchildren. He loved spending time with Vera’s extended family listening to music and dancing. Vera describes their life together with the title of a Tina Turner song that was one of their favorites – “Simply the Best.”
Denny also loved animals, in particular his poodle Cappuccino Froth Armani Gotti, who he lovingly called “Fatty Assed.” He will be put to rest with the ashes of Fatty Assed.
Denny was a talented handy-man and woodworker. He helped both of his children renovate their homes as adults, made furniture for family and friends, and loved nothing more than being shut up in his garage with his woodworking tools, usually with sawdust flying everywhere and a cigarette in his mouth.
Denny loved antiquing with his best friend Loren, who also preceded him in death. The two could shop all day, finding small treasures and furniture pieces in need of attention. Denny would lovingly refurnish and repurpose the antiques he found, and many of them can still be found in his and in his daughter’s homes.
We are most grateful for the love and support of wife, Vera, who was a fierce advocate for him and his best friend, and for his dear friends whom he considered family. A private memorial will be held on June 26, 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Vietnam Veterans of America. http://www.vva.org
Denny’s family and friends cannot begin to express how much we already miss him. In death he has left a great hole in the hearts of those who loved and laughed with him.
