George C. Buckingham Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

George Cottier Buckingham, 91, of Okoboji passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at the Hawkeye Care Center in Spirit Lake. George was born on May 5, 1925 in Bethany, NE to George and Bess (Brown) Cottier. He graduated from Estherville High School and the University of Iowa. He also served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army Air Corp. He was a Tail Gunner receiving the Purple Heart. After he was honorably discharged from service, George was united in marriage to Mary Elsenbast. To this union 4 children were born. George worked for Pigott Inc. for many years out of Des Moines. He designed numerous libraries in Western Iowa. He was a member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church where he also served as a Senior Warden. He was also on the Board of the Iowa Great Lakes Sanitation District where he served as Treasurer. He was also on the board of trusties for the Dickinson County Memorial Hospital. George enjoyed golfing. One of his proudest moments was when he shot a hole in one on July 4, 2005 at Emerald Hills Golf Course. He also loved to travel and listen to music, especially Glenn Miller selections. He is survived by his son David Buckingham and significant other Christine Fox of Spirit Lake; daughters Susan (Keith) Kellen of Milford; Nancy (Jeff) Hawn of Spirit Lake and Julia Davis of Spirit Lake; three grandchildren Tyler and Clay Hawn and Holly Davis; and George’s significant other Helene Wood of Canyon Lake, TX. His parents, one sister and eight brothers preceded him in death. Memorials may be given in George’s name to St. Alban’s Scholarship Fund. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Spirit Lake. Burial of his cremains will be in the St. Alban’s Church Columbarium. A visitation will be on Friday, February 3, 2017 from 4-6 p.m. at the Schuchert-Lentz Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Arrangements are under the direction of Schuchert-Lentz Funeral Home.

George C. Buckingham

May 5, 1925 - January 29, 2017