Monsignor Philip Bucher

NEW HAMBURG, Mo. -- Monsignor Philip Bucher, 76, of New Hamburg died Monday, Feb. 27, 2012, at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, N.M.

He was born Dec. 31, 1935, in New Hamburg, to Philip S. and Leocadia Dirnberger Bucher.

Bucher was ordained a priest March 18, 1961, and served as pastor of Missouri parishes at St. John in Leopold, St. Ambrose in Chaffee, St. Augustine in Kelso, St. Lawrence in New Hamburg, St. Joseph the Worker in Ozark, Immaculate Conception in Springfield, St. Mary in Pierce City, Our Lady of the Ozark in Forsyth, and Our Lady of the Lake in Branson. He was named a monsignor April 30, 1984. He retired from active ministry Oct. 18, 2005.

Bucher is survived by three sisters, Corona Essner of New Hamburg, Susie (Elmer) Seyer of Oran, Mo., Zita (Ted) Nenninger of Hazelwood, Mo.; a sister-in-law, Mary Bucher of Frankfort, Ill.; a brother-in-law, Martin Vandermierden of Glennon, Mo.; a stepbrother, Mike (Alice) Bucher, and a stepsister, Mary Frances Rosencranz, both of Chicago.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and four sisters.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at St. Lawrence Church in New Hamburg. A prayer service will begin at 7 p.m. Visitation before the service will begin at 8 a.m. Friday.

The Mass of Resurrection will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the church, with the Most Rev. James V. Johnston presiding. The Most Rev. John J. Leibrecht will concelebrate along with other priests of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Burial will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or charity of choice.

Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel of Benton, Mo., is in charge of arrangements.