Fred Buhler

Buhler, Fred Carl 3/1/1933 - 3/9/2021 Battle Creek, Michigan Fred Carl Buhler, age 88 of Battle Creek, Michigan passed away peacefully on March 9, 2021 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo from complications due to head trauma related to a series of falls. He was born in Flint, Michigan in 1933 to parents who immigrated from Germany in the 1920's to escape the devastation of World War I. He admitted to having a surprisingly happy childhood during the depths of the Great Depression, hanging out with his extensive extended family. Fred graduated from Flint Tech high school in 1951, received his BBA in 1955 and MBA in 1956 from the University of Michigan School of Business. After graduation, Fred entered the United States Navy, receiving a commission from Officer Candidate School, Newport, Rhode Island in 1956 and went on to graduate from Naval Supply Corp School in Athens, Georgia in 1957. He served three years in the Navy with the majority of his time spent in the Philippine Islands. He also spent years in the Naval Reserve after leaving the active- duty Navy. Upon return to the United States, Fred joined the Kellogg Company in Battle Creek, Michigan as a research analyst in the market research department. He was employed at Kellogg's for 33 years. During that time, he became Director of Consumer Research and was named as Assistant to the President in 1971. In 1975, he was named a Vice President and held leadership positions in corporate planning, product research, scientific affairs, and corporate development. At the time of his retirement in 1993 he was Vice President, Assistant to the Chairman. During his working career Fred was active in community affairs. Starting in 1977 he served in various positions in the United Way of Greater Battle Creek and was named as its president for the 1980 campaign. After his retirement he devoted his time to volunteer work. Fred chaired the Economic Development Forum of Calhoun County, served on the board of trustees at Starr Commonwealth and the Battle Creek Community Foundation. He was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center. For his volunteer work he received the 1994 George Award from the Battle Creek Enquirer and in 1999 was inducted into the Battle Creek Volunteer and Information Services Volunteer Hall of Fame. In his free time, Fred enjoyed travel, golf, fishing, reading, downhill skiing, and had a curious interest in photographing small birds. Fred was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Dorothy Ann (Wehrli) Buhler. He is survived by his three children, Douglas Christian (Janis) Buhler, David Scott (Lori) Buhler, Judy Lynne (Edwin) Wier; six grandchildren, Dana Buhler (Erik) Hensel, Amanda Leigh (Chad) Hughes, Lisa Nicole Buhler, Kelley Elizabeth (Jack) Stearns, Allison Rae Wier, Benjamin David Wier; and five great-grandchildren, Brody David Hayes, Jackson James Hughes, Ethan Douglas Hensel, Finley Marie Hensel, and Troy Mitchell Hughes. Fred will be laid to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery alongside his wife Dorothy in a private family gathering. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friendship Village of Kalamazoo, c/o Ken Greschak, Director of Fund Development, 1400 N. Drake Rd., Kalamazoo MI 49006. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.