Fredrick Thomas "Tom" Buhrkuhl of Bourbon, Missouri was born Nov. 13, 1943 at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida to Freddie and Daisy (Harris) Buhrkuhl and passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at the age of 82 years.
He grew up in Slater, Missouri, where he graduated from Slater High. He then furthered his education at UCM. Tom began his teaching career in Eminence, Missouri, before moving to Sedalia to teach Industrial Arts.
While teaching in Sedalia, he was drafted by the United States Army to serve in the Vietnam War. During his military service, Tom worked as a radio operator, carrying out missions in Cambodia, and earned the prestigious Bronze Star.
After returning to civilian life, the military sent Tom to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he met Mary Rueter. Tom later returned to Missouri to pursue his master’s degree, but he and Mary remained close by exchanging letters for several months before he asked her to marry him. They were married on August 12, 1972.
While in graduate school, Tom attended a job fair where he interviewed with Bourbon principal, Jerry Bouse. By the end of the interview, both Tom and Mary had positions waiting for them in Bourbon. Together, they moved to Bourbon in 1972.
Tom went on to serve the Bourbon School District for 28 years as a guidance counselor, retiring in 2000.
Tom and Mary were members of Concordia Lutheran Church in Bourbon, where Tom served as an elder. He was also involved with CASA.
Tom enjoyed reading, especially history. He also loved fishing with his friend, Mike Stephens, and was a member of Bourbon Legion Post 81.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Freddie and Daisy Buhrkuhl; brother, Robert Buhrkuhl; and nephew, Scott Fick.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Buhrkuhl of Bourbon, Missouri; 36 nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews; two brothers-in-law, Don Rueter and wife RoseAnn of California, and John Rueter and wife Kathy of Rochester, Minnesota; two sisters-in-law, Martha Fick and husband Gordon of Luverne, Minnesota and Bonnie Buhrkuhl of St. Louis, Missouri; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 9-11 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Bourbon, Missouri.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Bourbon, Missouri with Pastor Dennis Roedemeier officiating.
Interment followed at Bourbon Cemetery with full military honors.
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan, Missouri.
