Patricia "Pat" Buhler

Patricia Ann (O’Connell) Buhler, 79, Topeka; died September 17, 2010 after an extended illness. Pat was born September 4, 1931 in St Joseph, MO; the only child of Jeremiah O’Connell and Ethel Theisen. Pat graduated from The Convent of the Sacred Heart and Platt Business College. She was employed by Sheridan Clayton Paper company, in St Joseph, where she met Charles Buhler; a salesman there. Pat married Charlie Buhler June 16, 1956 at St Joseph’s Co-Cathedral Catholic Church. Charlie & Pat moved from St Joseph to Topeka, KS in January 1967 and have lived in that house since. Pat was a homemaker in the truest sense of the word. Having 5 boys was only part of the reason many of the over 50 kids in the neighborhood, and later high school and college kids made Pat’s house their other home. Pat was a confidant, mentor and friend to many who spent time there. Pat made volunteering a part of her life. She began with library and coaching in grade school. She and Charlie helped with the building of the St Lawrence center at Kansas University. They also taught marriage prep classes in the Catholic Church. While her sons were in Hayden High school, Pat and Charlie became a key part of the alumni and fundraising efforts at Hayden. For over 30 years, they worked PACE auctions, bingo and concession stands. A scholarship was created in their honor at Hayden in 2007. Pat is survived by her husband of 54 years, Charlie; her sons Paul (Sherry) Shawnee, KS, Brian (Laurie) Berryton, KS, John, Keller, TX, David (Gwin) Topeka, KS and Mark (Becky) Greeley, CO; and grandchildren: Shannon; Mandi and Skylor; Chelsea, Emily and Brad; Ben, Chris and Dan; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, and her 4 half brothers, John and Robert O’Connell, Joseph and William McDonald. Visitation will be Mon. 4-8p.m. at Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church in Topeka. The family will receive friends from 6-8p.m. A parish rosary and prayer service will be held at 6:30p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church at 10:00a.m. Tues. Interment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Buhler Family Scholarship Program, PACE at Hayden High School, Topeka or Midland Hospice House, Topeka.

Patricia "Pat" Buhler

September 4, 1931 - September 20, 2010