Robert E. Buettner

LIVINGSTON, Mont. — Robert E. “Bob” Buettner, 89, of Livingston, Mont., current resident at Highgate Senior Living in Bozeman, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at Highgate. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Monday, April 2, at Franzen-Davis Funeral Home. A funeral service and celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, also at the Franzen-Davis Funeral Home, 118 N. 3rd St., Livingston. Graveside committal and burial will be at the Mountain View Cemetery following the service. A reception with coffee and desserts will be held at the American Lutheran Church, 129 S. F St., Livingston, following the burial. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory in Livingston. Online condolences may be shared at http:// Franzen-Davis.com

Bob was born on Nov. 25, 1928, in Livingston, Mont., he was the son of Charles and Tena (Tangen) Buettner. He was raised in Livingston and was a graduate of the Park County High School class of 1947.

Following his graduation, he was off to the next best thing! He got a position with the Merchant Marines and was off to Seattle. He worked a stint over the summer, and then returned to Livingston. He took training to become a telegraph operator. Next he was offered a job with the Northern Pacific Railroad and started a 14-year career with them as a telegraph man.

Now back to his major achievements, he had courted Carol Cramm since their senior year of high school and on Nov. 12, 1948, Robert Eddie Buettner was united in marriage to Carol Cramm, at the Pine Creek United Methodist Church in Paradise Valley. This union was blessed with two children: a daughter, Linda, and a son, Craig. Bob and Carol resided in Livingston, starting their family here. In 1962, they decided to follow their dreams and they moved to Arkansas and opened an A&W franchise. Bob and Carol worked the business together in every aspect. Most days you would find Bob grilling burgers, and every day you could find him with a rag in hand ensuring the place was cleaned to perfection. They were once inspected and the gal had thought they had just opened; they kept their store immaculately clean. Carol was Bob’s steady rock and you could find her doing the set-ups and making sure every little detail was done to perfection. They were incredibly accomplished restaurateurs.

Now it was time for another adventure, and in 1979 they sold the A&W and moved back to Livingston. Bob kept busy with real estate and then operating Park Tire. Bob designed the plans for the home where they live today and had it built to exactly what they wanted. They shared 66 years of marriage prior to Carol’s death on April 16, 2015.

Bob was a hardworking, dedicated man with oodles of ingenuity. On May 1 of 1989, he was inducted into the Arkansas Hospitality Association’s Hall of Fame. It was an affirmation that meant a tremendous amount to Bob; he was very humbled and proud of that accomplishment.

His enjoyments were skiing, water-skiing, fishing, hunting and tinkering. He had done additions to homes, wired basements and just had a God-given understanding of how things worked.

He adored his wife, she was so dearly missed; and he loved all of his family too. He helped the grandkids with extracurricular activities and just being a wonderful grandpa, there to support them.

Bob was a lifetime member of the BPOE, Elks Lodge No. 246, and was a lifetime member of the Hot Springs Optimists Club, in Hot Springs, Ark.

Bob is survived by his children: daughter, Linda Chambers, of Livingston, Mont., and son, Craig Buettner and his wife, Shannon, of Havre, Mont. Grandchildren, Chad Buettner, Chad (Ashlee) Chambers, Stephanie (Kelly) Radcliff and Haley (Mason) Sheppard. Great-grandchildren, Arlo and Berlyn. Sister-inlaw, Donna Benson, of Whitefish, Mont. Many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Carol; parents, Charles and Tena; brothers, Wallace and Warren Buettner; and brother-in-law, Bob Benson.

Memorials are preferred to American Lutheran Church, 129 S. F St., Livingston, MT 59047.

Online condolences may be shared at http://Franzen-Davis. com.