Alvin Buhler

Alvin Buhler

April 26, 1957 – November 7, 2024

Having fought the good fight, Alvin John Buhler, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and devoted servant of the Lord, was called home to his Savior on November 7, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. 

Alvin was born April 26, 1957 in Saskatoon, SK, to Abram D and Helen (Neudorf) Buhler and grew up on a farm outside Aberdeen, SK. He was the beloved youngest sibling to two brothers and two sisters. He enjoyed recounting stories of growing up on the farm along the river, and his school years in Aberdeen.     

Alvin faced many health challenges after being diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 7. Alvin’s family was an integral part of helping him adjust to his diagnosis, loving him through the struggles of diabetes, encouraging him, teasing him as siblings do, and supporting him every step of the way.

After accepting Christ as his personal Saviour, Alvin’s sisters introduced him to their church, the Warman Mennonite Brethren Church. It was there in the foyer that Alvin first met his wife, Verna (who he called the girl with the long braid). They got to know each other as they worked on some of the same committees, attended College and Career, and served in the church. They spent countless hours together with friends, developing into personal friendship, which grew into many phone calls and coffees, and the friendship developed into an undeniable love. 

Alvin and Verna got married on February 19, 1983, and started their family in Langham, SK, where Alvin worked at the Credit Union. On his first day back after their honeymoon, he was transferred to the Borden, SK, Credit Union as the new manager. Alvin would head west to Borden, and Verna would head east to Saskatoon for work, but they made Langham home. It was after their daughters Leah and Jamie were old enough to attend Sunday School that they started attending the Langham Evangelical Bible Church, where more lifetime friends were made.

The Holy Spirit convicted Alvin of his need to enter pastoral ministry, and the family moved to Caronport, SK, for Alvin to attend Bible College for four years. Each summer, the family headed back to Langham, where Alvin would work with his previous employer, but more importantly, where they would be surrounded by family and friends. After Bible College, Alvin accepted a position as the lead pastor at the Christian Fellowship Church of Rhineland and Alvin, Verna, Leah, Jamie, and Derek moved there. Alvin pastored there for 16 years. During the years in Rhineland, Alvin’s two daughters were married, bringing into the family Daryl and Jeremiah. In 2013 Alvin, Verna, and Derek moved back to Warman, and Alvin joined the pastoral team at the Warman Bible Fellowship Church. Both the church congregations in Rhineland and Warman very much enriched their lives beyond measure. In 2022, Alvin’s son married Elizabeth, bringing his children count up to 6. He loved his children-in-law as if they were his very own, and cherished the relationships his children had.

Throughout his life, Alvin faced several health challenges. From being diagnosed with diabetes as a boy, to going blind in one eye as a young adult, to struggling with complications from diabetes, such as kidney failure in his last few years. However, Alvin walked in the Lord throughout all these challenges, and did not let his health issues interfere with his love of life. He was devoted to his wife and children and was the best Grandpa ever to his grandchildren. He loved gathering with extended family (both the Buhler’s and the Klassen’s), seeing friends, and being involved in the church. He loved fishing, being out in nature, going for drives, and learning new things.

Remaining to cherish Alvin’s memory are his wife Verna; their children – Leah & Daryl Wiebe, their children Audrey, Ben, and Roger; Jamie & Jeremiah Klauke, their children Tessa and Wiese; and Derek & Elizabeth Buhler, and their baby due in February.

Preceding Alvin in death are his parents – Abram D and Helen Buhler; brother, Abram Buhler; brother-in-law, John Friesen; nephew, Ashton Buhler; and niece-in-law, Louisa Reddekopp. As well as parents-in-law, Aaron and Alvina Klassen; and brother-in-law, Donald Klassen.

In the last few months Alvin and his family did not walk alone in his health journey. St. Paul’s Hospital Kidney Health Clinic team, nurses, and doctors that tended to his care, especially those in the ICU played an invaluable role in Alvin’s care. As well as the paramedics who were involved. We as a family thank these people for all that they have done for us. Our family is also grateful for the way we have been lifted up in thoughts and prayers – it has and continues to carry us through this difficult time. We thank you for that.

The Celebration of Life service for Alvin will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Langham Evangelical Bible Church, at 47 5th Ave, Langham, SK.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAM LINK OF MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE ALVIN BUHLER
(A copy of the live stream will also be available to view after the service at the link above. The copy will be available for approximately 6 months.)

A fellowship luncheon will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Diabetes Canada.

Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.