Richard K. Buehler

Richard Buehler passed away peacefully on Monday, May 27, 2024 in his home in Bowie, Maryland surrounded by family and dear friends.  He was a bright and energetic spirit in the lives of many.

Born on January 11, 1931 in New York to Hilda (Kugler) and Karl Buehler, Richard grew up in Brooklyn along with his brother Alfred.  After high school he began his studies at NYU, but they were interrupted when he was drafted into the army in October of 1952.  Before leaving for camp, he and his sweetheart, Irmengarde (Barbara) Schieber became engaged.  Richard received training at the Army Signal School and eventually went overseas where he drove and handled the communications truck.  Despite an offer to extend his enlistment, Richard gladly declined and returned to Brooklyn on September 4, 1954 to be with his fiancée. He returned to his studies at NYU not long thereafter and graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He started his career at Bell Labs, first in New York and then in New Jersey.  In early 1960’s, he joined the communications control team at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.  He worked on many of the Apollo missions – even attending one lift-off onsite.  He eventually took a position with the National Security Agency during which time he earned a masters from George Washington University, remaining there until his retirement.

Richard and Barbara were married on June 4, 1955 – beginning a lifelong dedication to each other. Together they had five children: Barbara, Deborah, Richard, Michael and Caroline.   There were abundant outings as a family – always with a huge picnic basket of prepared bologna sandwiches.   As scoutmaster, Richard went along with the boys on multi-day hikes, meticulously planning and organizing everything other than finding a way to pre-plan the weather.  The children were always thrilled when he joined them at the neighborhood pool after work where he would spend the entire time trying to avoid being dunked by them.  Richard always made time for family.  As the family grew, adding grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his face would light up whenever they would visit.  

Richard was never idle.   He erected a detailed layout for his model trains with hand-painted scenery and handcrafted trees.  He loved his cameras and won several awards for his photographs.  He thoroughly enjoyed being usher at St. Pius X Church in Bowie for many years.  Along with Barbara, they joined a square dance club and traveled many places with their fellow square dancers.  After retirement, travel became a well-deserved passion – every year included both driving down to Hilton Head Island several times and boarding at least one cruise.  Truly, he lived a full life.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Hilda, and his brother Alfred.  He is survived by his eternally devoted wife, Barbara; his five children Barbara (James), Deborah (Metro), Richard (Lynn), Michael (Sheri), and Caroline (John); his 10 grandchildren, Christina (Frank), Elizabeth (Daniel), Nikki, Alex, Sarah (Jonathan), Christopher (Ramsey), Erich, Amy (Jon), Michael, and Ryan; his 6 great grandchildren, Declan, Dax, Nell, Charlotte, Logan, and Sam; his nieces Maggie (Steve) and Diana (Peter); and his nephew Steven (Liisa).  A very special thank you to Sylvia and Vida who provided such loving care in his last few months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to either the American Heart Association

or St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3300 Moreland Place, Bowie, MD  20715.