Ropey Buchner

Robert Joseph “Ropey” Buchner, age 71, of Ely, died on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at the Northern Pines Care Center in Aurora MN.

Ropey was born on January 16, 1952 to Joe and Rosemarie Buchner, the oldest of 3 children. He was a proud Army Veteran. He traveled to 49 of the 50 US States, always saying Ely was the most beautiful spot.  He loved living his adult life off the grid at his property on Shagawa Lake, riding his Harley motorcycles, playing his guitars, collecting coins, taking saunas at the Ely Steam bath visiting with the “old timers,” watching and supporting Ely school sports and spending time with his family. 

Ropey was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his daughter Kaia Rose DeSchane (Tyler Bantley), son Joe McCulloch, sister Margie (Mark) Olson, brother Jim (Marie) Buchner, nephews Scott (Angela) Olson and their children Luke and Lauren; Brian Olson; Clint (Tina) Buchner and his children Andy Buchner and Hannah (Austin) Standlund; niece Melissa (Jason) Buchner-Mehling and their children Madeline and Melanie. Numerous cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely on Friday, August 25th at 11 a.m. Visitation will be an hour before the service.

Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

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