Phillip Arthur Buhn

A candle was lit by Becky Cooper Ranvik on January 22, 2018 1:04 AM

Message from John Thorbeck, Class of 1970

Who didn't love Mr. Buhn? He owned the hallways of the junior high. Man of encouragement, not just in coaching with Jack Luoma, but in advice, support and humor shared with his players, students and fellow teachers. Great man and indelible memory.

Message from Tim Graupman Class of 1970

Sad to learn of Phil's passing. He was the comedian and Jack and Bun his straight men. Phil, was able to make basketball practice fun-even back in the days of no drinking water. When we moved to Bemidji in 1960 Phil lived above us and was a frequent dinner guest. We were always excited to have him at dinner because he had great stories and a thunderous infectious laugh! I also remember the extra credit some of us received for looking up the latitude and longitude of Mentor. Classic Phil. RIP Big Guy- You have lots of friends and coworkers in heaven and they'll be happy to have you liven the place up.

Message from Jesica Conrad

Mr. Buhn was my algebra teacher. Poor man. I was(am) pretty pathetic at math so I think he might have just passed me along out of kindness. Recently, I took great pleasure to tell him that I was proud to say I never had to use algebra.....EVER....and presented him with a cartoon from the Startrib that said the same thing. Of course, being his good-humored self he had a good laugh at that.
I recall everyone wanted him to be their algebra teacher.

Message from Jerry Fruetel

I'm one of hundreds with the good fortune to have been taught and coached by "Mr. Buhn". Phil mastered the art of teaching the fundamentals, in both math and basketball, and making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience. My condolences to his family.

Message from Louise Hockenson and family,

Our condolences on Phil Buhn's passing. I had him as a teacher in Bemidji High School and my sons did too. He was a great teacher and person. He will be missed.

Message from Bob Johnson Class of 1966

Phil was an inspiration in the class room and he helped make math relevant in life. On the football field and the basketball court he was a teacher with high expectations of all his players. He knew when to use his great sense of humor to loosen us up and he knew when to push us.
I am grateful that he was my teacher and my coach and he will be missed. Bob Johnson

A candle was lit by Laurie Nielsen on April 28, 2017 9:28 PM

Message from Anne Lindgren, St. Paul, MN

There will be a huge void in my life with the passing of Phillip. Our special friendship began many years ago in the early 1980's. I will be forever filled with memories of his wonderful sense of humor, his outstanding memory and his gift for great conversations. He was a rock for me over the years and I am so thankful to have known him and he was a very special friend. Many, many condolences to his family.

Message from David Harrington

He was both friend and foe of waterfowl. Phil was at many Ducks Unlimited banquets and while I never went hunting with him, he was pretty easy to find in the bleachers at sports events involving Bemidji and area schools. We'd spend half the time watching the game and the other half of the time talking about duck and goose hunting by Mentor.

Message from Dick Fortier

A funny and witty man. He was always there to help players and other coaches. He made Bun and Jack laugh all the time.He was fun to be around.RIP Phil, you helped us create many memories. Dick Fortier

Message from Bob Fortier

A great teacher and coach. He always was intent but had a bit of humor to go along with math class or on the field or court. My condolences to his family.

A candle was lit by Eric and Lori Johnson on April 22, 2017 7:41 PM

Message from Jill Thompson Ness

I was saddened to hear the tremendous loss of our "Uncle Phil". He was a family friend for probably my whole life. I remember stopping by Eva's house in Mentor on our way to Grand Forks. I miss that whole family! I will remember Phil as a terrific teacher, family friend, and a very kind and funny person. I'm betting my dad and Phil are having a good time in Heaven! ❤

Message from Julie (Carr) Kelly

Mr. Buhn was one of those teachers you never forget. I didn't just learn ... I laughed ... as he had a wonderful sense of humor and used it in his teaching. A great guy! Prayers for your family during this difficult time.

Message from Barbara & Charlie Champlin

Dear Buhn Family,
Our prayers are with you as you celebrate the life your loved one, Phillip. May he rest in God's everlasting peace.
Barbara & Charlie Champlin

Message from Renaissance Hearing Centers

Our office all enjoyed Phillip's sense of humor and smile. I think he really just stopped by to visit and sneak carrot cake. He will be truly missed by all of us. Our deepest condolences to all.

Message from Bob Johnson

A great and funny man to work with. I guess he joins his old fishing and hunting partner C.R. now. I will miss him.

Message from Salem, SD formerly Mentor, MN

I always enjoyed visiting with Phil when he would come to Mentor, He was always so interesting and I learned quite a bit from him. I adored his mom Eva.

Thinking of you, Deb Rhode family

Message from Lynnette Wizner Schindler

I'm so sorry sorry for your family's loss. I will never forget the summer I worked at the resort in Cass lake. My Dad would drop me off in the morning an Phil would drive me back to our cabin in the afternoon. What a great man sending hugs An love to all

Message from Suzie Takle

I am so sorry to hear about Phil Buhns passing away. I was an eighth grader at Bemidji Middle school in 1983 when Mr Buhn was an asstiant principal. Prayers for the family

Message from Jim Neuenfeldt

What a nice man! Phil had an amazing memory for sure, like an encyclopedia. Never had Phil personally as a coach but had great respect for him as a person. He was respected by everyone. Really nice to have known him.

Message from Kevin & Lynda Moe

Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of Phil. I know he will be greatly missed by you all.

Message from Greg Beaumont

I will be missing my friend at local basketball games from this moment forward. Phil was my coach and the coach of many other young men that were in the Bemidji basketball family. We could not have asked for a better person to teach us the Bemidji way. Phil had a positive impact on so many people. I will always remember him with great respect and admiration.

Message from Barb Britton

Mr. Buhn helped to get me started on a path that led me to become a math teacher. How could one not love math in his class? Later in life, I frequently saw him at Hardee's in the mornings with the gang of retired school teachers. What a great table that was! I was able to tell many of my former teachers (including him) of the impact they had on my life.

My deepest condolences to the family.

A candle was lit by Michael Gregg on April 18, 2017 6:36 AM

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I was one of many students who had the pleasure of Mr Buhn's teaching skills. His positive attitude and jovial outlook on things will be greatly missed by anyone who was lucky enought to know him. My Condolences to his family.