St. Cloud, MN - Gerald Lee Buettner, 81, passed away peacefully at the Sanctuary in St. Cloud, Minnesota, on Monday, January 26, 2026 after a courageous battle with Parkinson's and Dementia.

Gerald "Jerry" Buettner was born on February 3, 1944, in Belle Plaine, Wisconsin, to Vernon and Vera Buettner. He was raised on the family farm and graduated from Shawano High School in 1962. Jerry later moved to Minnesota, where he married Virginia Diane in 1969. They shared nearly 54 years of marriage.

Jerry worked for Grosslein Beverage in Ramsey, Minnesota, for 30 years. He was an avid sports fan, especially of the Minnesota Twins and Green Bay Packers, and rarely missed watching a game—unless he got caught up in a Maury Povich episode or a Two and a Half Men rerun. In his younger years, Jerry raced stock cars, and as he got older, he enjoyed fishing, playing softball and bowling on Friday nights. No matter how busy life was, he always made time to attend his children's baseball, softball, and hockey games.

Jerry was the best dad and grandpa we could have asked for and will be deeply missed.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Stephanie (Jason) Tillett of Little Falls, Minnesota; his son, Scott (Cari) Buettner of Andover, Minnesota; grandsons Mackenzie Gibbs and Brett and Steven Buettner; granddaughters Isabelle Gibbs and Madison Buettner; great-granddaughter Jordyn Gibbs; his brother, Donald (Kathy) Buettner; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Diane Buettner; daughter, Stacy Ann Buettner; parents, Vernon and Vera Buettner; brothers Darold, Edward, Dale Buettner; and half brother Robert Paiser.

Jerry's family would like to thank the caring staff at the Sanctuary and Moments Hospice.

A Celebration of Life for Jerry will be held at a later date.