Earl D. Buenting, 72 of Gifford, passed away at 8:05 p.m. Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton on Pells from a 12-year battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, January 29, 2024 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 108 E. Church Street, Gifford.

There will also be a visitation from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 30, 2024 followed by a 11:00 a.m. funeral service at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Gifford with Pastor Scott Guhl officiating. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville is handling arrangements.

Earl was born November 23, 1951, in Champaign the son of Robert and Evelyn Baker Buenting.  He married Diane Kerber April 16, 1983, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Colfax.  She survives.

Along with his wife, Diane, he is survived by two brothers, Alan (Sandy) Buenting of Mahomet, Paul (Lorraine) Buenting of Tennessee; a sister, Patti Walsh of Florida; nieces, a great niece and great nephews; and a sister-in-law, Karen (Jim) Hipskind of Champaign.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law, Robert and Verna Kerber and a brother-in-law, Pat Walsh.

Earl was a graduate of Rantoul Township High School and Illinois State University.  He retired as a Database Administrator with Administrative Information and Technology Services, University of Illinois.

He was a life-long member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Gifford and had served on the church council.  He was also a member of Ducks Unlimited and the NRA.  Earl was a Compromise Twp Trustee for many years and eventually became Compromise Twp. Clerk.

Earl enjoyed wood carving, hunting and fishing.  He was an outdoorsman and nature lover.  He always looked forward to spending time with his dad salmon fishing on Lake Michigan.  Earl loved living on the hill west of Gifford and being close to nature.  After his Alzheimer's diagnosis, he enjoyed riding his bicycle on the country roads close to his home.

He willingly accepted his Alzheimer's diagnosis at an early age and reassured Diane many times that this walk was God's path for him.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to St.  Paul's Lutheran Church, Gifford, Alzheimer's Association or Shriners Hospitals for Children.  Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.