Gerhart (Jeff) Buhr "Jipper"

Jeff Buhr, also affectionately known as “Jipper” by generations of people in the Tacoma area, passed away on Tuesday, April 27th, 2021 at 100 years young, one day shy of his 101st birthday. Born in 1920 to Anton and Julia Buhr, Jeff was a lifelong Tacoma native, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was, as well, a community humanitarian devoting much of his life to the advancement of athletics for young people in the Tacoma/Pierce County area. Jeff Buhr went to St. Leos grade school, then to Bellarmine High School, played football for the Lions, and graduated in the class of 1938. After high school, Jeff joined the Army, was married to his wife of 70 years, Helen Wilson, and then went overseas and served in the European theatre during World War II. Following the war, Jeff became a Teamster driver and worked for Jordan Bakery and Langendorf, retiring as a Teamster after 35 years. It was also during this time following the war that Jeff Buhr began his lifelong career of helping and inspiring young people to achieve their goals in the field of athletics, as well as a lifetime of support and humanitarian effort for Bellarmine High School and parochial grade schools in Tacoma and Pierce County. Jeff Buhr was active in the early Bellarmine Boosters following WW2, whose activities and fundraising efforts to this day have promoted and supported athletics for the school. Jeff was also the president of the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), and through its programs and activities made possible the advancement of athletics for younger students in parochial grade schools throughout the city. The efforts and vision of the CYO provided the tools, sports leagues, and scheduled games in and around Tacoma that enabled young students to develop their athletic skills early in their student life. During the 1980’s, after retiring from the Teamsters, Jeff worked at Bellarmine High School managing the student center and directing the preparation of major fundraising events. His life and work has touched many generations, and he was loved and respected by everyone. “Jipper” was a legend in the Tacoma community, and he will be missed by all. Jeff Buhr is pre-deceased by his wife, Helen; 4 siblings: Anthony; Albert; Emma Buhr O.S.F.; and Julie (Buhr) Weber. He is survived by one sister, Josephine (Buhr) Berthiaume; five children: Tony Buhr (Linda); David Buhr; Jeffrey Buhr; Dan Buhr (Debbie); and Jeannette (Nettie) Buhr-Wagner (John); twelve grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren, (and many others who call him “Dad” or “Grandpa”).

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am on Monday, May 17, 2021 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.  Committal Calvary Cemetery.  You may view the service via livestream by clicking on https://www.facebook.com/saintcharlesb/ or https://www.youtube.com/scbvideo .  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Bellarmine, CYO, St. Charles Church, Holy Cross Church, or charity of choice.