Kenneth J. Buchenroth, 96, of Findlay, passed away Saturday, August 14, 2021, at Primrose Retirement Community. He was born July 14, 1925 in Bellefontaine, to the late Kenneth and Grace (Madden) Buchenroth. Kenneth married Lula Lust on August 7, 1949, and she preceded him in death on June 25, 2016.
Kenneth was also preceded in death by a son, Gregory Buchenroth; brothers: Ned (Betty) Buchenroth and Joe (Ethel) Buchenroth; sister, Jane Buchenroth; in-laws: Sharon Buchenroth, Marlon Lust, Calvin Lust, Cloyd Lust, Grant (Elaine) Lust, and Lola (Paul) Kocher; nephews, Mike Buchenroth and Kris Buchenroth; and great-nephew, Bryan Lust. He is survived by children: Brad (Peg) Buchenroth and Dr. Sheree Buchenroth; and close family friend, Dr. Gene Pilotte; along with brothers: William (Carol) Buchenroth of Bellefontaine and Max Buchenroth of Nicholasville, KY; sisters-in law, Thelma Lust of Mount Dora, FL and Doris Lust of Apopka, FL; and many nieces and nephews.
Kenneth earned the rank of Sergeant while serving in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, and was stationed in Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines, between October 1943 to January 1946.
Following his baccalaureate and master’s degrees in business from Bowling Green State University, Kenneth was employed in private industry for 21 years in progressive accounting and finance roles at corporations in Florida and Ohio, including 10 years at Cooper Tire & Rubber Company. Thereafter, Kenneth joined the University of Findlay and taught accounting for the next 22 years. As an Ohio CPA, he was a member of The Ohio Society of CPAs and American Institute of CPAs and operated a small CPA practice, while teaching at the University. Kenneth loved teaching and was so proud of his students. He received Outstanding Educator Award in 1984 from the Findlay Chamber of Commerce and was presented the Founder’s Academic Excellence Award in 1989 by the University of Findlay. During its commencement in 1992, Kenneth received an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Accountancy from the University of Findlay.
Kenneth was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church since 1959, where he taught Sunday school and chaired several church committees. He chaired the Finance Committee for the Board of Trustees at Blanchard Valley Hospital and also served on Findlay City Schools Business Advisory Committee. In retirement, Kenneth and Lula enjoyed cherished family times spending 15 winters in Florida from 1992 to 2007.
A private family service will be conducted Saturday, with graveside and military salute services at Van Horn Cemetery, Hancock County. The family requests memorial contributions be designated to the Dr. Kenneth J. Buchenroth Scholarship Endowment Fund at the University of Findlay or St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Findlay.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.coldrencrates.com. Coldren-Crates Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangement.