Cecil was born on Dec. 9 1943 in Fairmont Minn., the child of Katherine Lillian Johnson and Charles Dietrich Buckmeier. He grew up in Granada and Fairmont Minn. and graduated from Fairmont High School. After high school, he enlisted in the US Air Force, but that career was cut short after he came down with double pneumonia and was medically discharged. Cecil also attended college at Mankato State University, before pursuing a career in Computer Programming. Cecil united in marriage to Martha “Martie” Wehler on Sept. 22, 1963. He worked many jobs over the years including but not limited to Scott County (Minn.), Canterbury Downs, Transport America, McFarland Truck Lines, and his final job at Norsemen Trucking in Lake Mills, Iowa, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Cecil was instrumental in bringing Scott County into the computer age back in the 1970s and 80s. He also set up Canterbury Downs’ initial computer system for their inauguration. Cecil also traveled and spoke at many conventions around the country to share his knowledge of IBM mainframe computer systems and programming.

Cecil was passionate about his wife Martie, who he cared for up until the very end as she suffered from Alzheimer’s. He also loved music and had an extensive collection on his computers. You would also often find him tinkering with his computers, watching football, and shopping on online. He thoroughly enjoyed getting together with old friends at their class luncheons at Pizza Ranch in Fairmont.

Cecil is survived by his son Andrew (Jody) Buckmeier of New Richland Minn., grandson Alexander Buckmeier of New Richland Minn., sisters: Charleen Zoeller of Fairmont Minn. and Mary (Don) DeSart of Albert Lea Minn.; sister-in-law Mary Vorhees; many nieces and nephews, and other extended relatives and friends.

Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Martha; son Charles; infant son Peter; infant brother Stanley; brothers and their wives Floyd and Mary Lou Buckmeier, James and Edith Buckmeier; sisters and their husbands Marguerite and Earl Burmeister, Lois and Gene Bell; Brother-in-laws; Fred Zoeller and Robert “Bob” Wehler; Mother and Father-in-law Miriam “Mim” and Emil Wehler.

Cecil did not wish to have a funeral service.

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