David Buegler

The Rev. Dr., David Buegler was marked by the cross of Christ on his infant head and heart in Holy Baptism August 18, 1946. Godly parents nurtured him on the family farm in southern Minnesota. He attended college at Minnesota State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree. Susan is his bride of over 50 years.

Buegler attended Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, Illinois, and served as vicar at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jackson, Michigan. Upon his Seminary graduation and following his ordination into the Holy Ministry on June 16, 1972, at the very church where he was baptized and confirmed, he was called back to his vicarage congregation to serve as their pastor. In Jackson Buegler and his wife were blessed with the birth of two daughters, Kristen and Carol.

Buegler served that first parish until 1980, when he accepted a call to serve St. Paul Lutheran congregation in Napoleon, Ohio. He served St. Paul until 1988 when he was elected District President of the Ohio District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. After serving three terms, he continued his pastoral ministry by accepting a call to St. Paul Lutheran congregation in Westlake, Ohio, where he served from 1996 to 2003. His full-time professional ministry concluded with five years serving as the Executive Director of the Cleveland Lutheran High School Association.

During his ministry, Buegler was awarded two honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from Concordia Universities in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and River Forest, Illinois. He was also elected to serve two terms as one of the Vice Presidents of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. His role as Vice President lasted from 2004 to 2010. He served as guest preacher on The Lutheran Hour radio program and is a frequent speaker throughout LCMS congregations.

In addition to serving on dozens of District and Synodical boards, committees and councils, he also served the church on three Blue Ribbon Task Forces on Funding and Structure. He continues to serve his community on Social Service boards, hospital boards, and Community Foundation boards.

Even in retirement, Buegler’s life is packed with service to church and community. His love for the Book of Revelation has enabled him to teach an overview of the entire book to thousands of people throughout the United States, Nigeria, and India. He has also traveled several times to Puerto Rico and Haiti. All in all, he lives and teaches with a love for stewardship and missions.