Ronald Craig "Ronnie Buechler Jr.

June 30, 1986 - April 29, 2022

Ronald (Ronnie) Craig Buechler Jr. passed away on April 29th, 2022 in Kingman, Arizona at the age of 35. Ronnie was born to Ronald Buechler and Margaret Eitel on June 30th, 1986 in Douglas, Wyoming. His older sisters, Sarah and Ann received him with love and joy (and only a few make-up parties). He was a sweet boy with soft blonde hair and deep brown eyes that twinkled when he giggled. When his mom remarried, he gained two older step-brothers, with whom he loved running around and getting into mischief. Later, they moved to Ekalaka, Montana, where having the run of a ranch provided endless adventure and fun. He loved working with animals and was proud to show them in 4-H at the Carter County Fair. He was especially skilled with hogs (with a tip of the hat to his dad’s family’s farm in Iowa) and even taught them to sit. Ronnie finished out his schooling in Bozeman, Montana with his mom and sister, Ann. In Bozeman, he spent much of his time with his friends skateboarding in the summer and snowboarding in the winter. He was shredding at Bridger Bowl as often as he could and loved the mountains so much that he later worked as a liftie at Big Sky Resort. Growing up, Ronnie always looked forward to weekend and holiday visits with his dad, where they traveled together to see much of the West, often camping and fishing along the way. He especially loved their bi-annual trips to Iowa to visit with family and attend the Iowa State Fair, lemonade and turkey leg in hand. After graduating from Bridger Alternative School in Bozeman in 2005, Ronnie set out on his great adventure to California. He moved to San Diego and quickly took to the freedom of adult life. He loved hanging out with his friends, the beach, electronic dance, and visiting his sister, Sarah and mom in Los Angeles. He found true love and joy for a time. He studied at Mira Costa College and had dreams of being an entrepreneur, often scheming up ways to go into business for himself. Years later, he even worked to file patents with the assistance of his dad. Ronnie was especially close with his mom, who was a pillar of support throughout his life. They fiercely defended each other and always had a blast hanging out together, often having long heart to heart conversations into the late evening. He proudly called himself a mama’s boy and spoke often of his deep admiration and appreciation for her presence in his life. Ronnie spent the last years of his life in Kingman, Arizona where he was very close with his dad. They spent Sundays watching NASCAR and grilling steak together. They took road trips to Phoenix and Las Vegas to see shows, games, and races. He relished this time together and often proclaimed his gratefulness for his dad’s love and support. Ronnie married his best friend, Eric Thiel in a private ceremony on July 7th, 2021. They shared a deep bond and connection during their short time together. Ronnie had three loves: his family, his German Shepherd Mollie, and Eric. Ronnie loved people and made sure they knew it. He went above and beyond to help friends in need. He always made sure he told his friends and his family that he loved them, and gave out lots of big hugs. He had a soft spot for people down on their luck and always kept singles in his pocket to give to homeless people he met along the way. He was deeply affected by other people’s struggles and sorrows and would selflessly carry their burdens on his shoulders if it meant helping to lighten someone else’s load. Ronnie was loyal and immensely protective of his friends and family. You can bet that if you gained his trust, he had your back. Ronnie is survived by his husband Eric Thiel of Kingman, AZ, his parents Ron (Pam) Buechler of Kingman, AZ, and Margaret Eitel of Coos Bay, OR, and his sisters Sarah (John) Gardam-Thomas of Fawnskin, CA, and Ann (Collin) Newton of Maple Valley, WA. We will miss his bear hugs, awkward dancing, and I love you’s. We did everything in our power to lift him up. We know deep in our hearts that if love was enough, our sweet boy, our baby brother, would still be with us. If you feel moved to honor Ronnie’s life, the family asks that a donation be made in his name to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at https://donate.nami.org/RonnieBuechler or the Arizona Humane Society at https://www.azhumane.org/memorial-and-tribute-gifts/ A private funeral service will be held for Ronnie’s immediate family. Obituary written with love by Ann Newton (nee Buechler).