Buford John Hernan

Madison -- Buford John Hernan, age 92, passed away after a long illness on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at St. Mary's Care Center in Madison.

Buford was born to Cora and John Hernan of Richland County on July 25, 1917. After graduating from Richland Center High School, he moved to Madison where he earned his business degree and worked for the Commonwealth Telephone Company for several years. He married Edith Dawes of La Crosse in 1943. Buford was elected to the Madison City Council and served two terms. He was also appointed to head the Civil Defense Committee for Dane County and traveled to Nevada to watch the testing of the last above-ground atomic bomb.

An interest in interior design led him to earn his certification for kitchen and bath design. He opened The Kitchen Mart where he spent the remainder of his working years designing cabinetry and interiors for homes, offices, hospitals and schools. As a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, he served on the Church Council and Finance Committee. He was a charter member of the Westside Optimist Club, and while serving as president started the Platteville Optimist Club. Buford was also an active member of The Knights of Columbus 4527 and served as Grand Knight. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, and fishing, but his greatest enjoyment was getting together with family and friends to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and other occasions, especially if card playing was part of it.

Buford is survived by his wife, Edith; his children, Carol Liegel (Steve) and Buford John ""Jack"" Hernan II (Leigh); his seven grandchildren, Gabrielle Hernan, Buford John Hernan III (Hilary), Dr. Jessica Goetz, Rebecca Goetz Hopkins (Richard), Ryan Liegel, Eric Liegel, and Amy Liegel; his three sisters, Marianna Monahan, Ruth Severson, and Dorothy Tadder; and his two brothers, Vilas Hernan and Edward Hernan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cora and John; his sister, Irene; his brothers, Michael, John, and Robert; and his daughter, Mary Jo Hernan Goetz (William).

A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Dr, Madison, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., with Msgr. Kenneth J. Fiedler officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus 4527, c/o Al Christianson, PO Box 1741, Madison, WI 53701, or the American Cancer Society, South District Office, 8317 Elderberry Rd, Madison, WI 53717.