Aaron August Bucholz age 82, of Wolf Creek, MT passed into the arms of Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior on December 2, 2025.
Aaron was born in Anaconda, MT on January 31, 1943, to his parents Arthur A. and Alma (Tucker) Bucholz. He was the second of four children. He graduated from Anaconda High School in 1961. Aaron attended the Montana School of Mines in Butte, MT before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1963, where he served as a Medical Services Specialist until his honorable discharge in 1971. After graduating from the University of Washington Medex program, he moved to Kenai, AK where he worked as a Physician Assistant-Certified in private practice for many years. He finished his career at Unocal Chemical, running their Occupational Medicine department up until his retirement in 2000.
Aaron married Lillian Lints Bucholz on November 6, 1981, in Anchorage, AK. They made their home in Kenai, AK. Aaron loved hunting, fishing for salmon and halibut, hunting, camping at Whiskey Gulch, photography, hunting, music, and did I mention hunting? He, Lillian, and son Greg built their recreational cabin in the Moose Point subdivision. They spent many happy years together there 4-wheeling, snowmachining, cross-country skiing, doing puzzles and taking long walks. He and Lillian traveled together, especially enjoying fishing and snorkeling in the Caribbean. Every day Aaron woke up was one day closer to moose camp, which he loved going to with good friends Jim and Trina Doyle. There he had so much fun, many stories told, many adventures to be had, beer to be consumed and sweet memories made there through the years with friends Jim, Trina, Keith, Frank and TJ. It was always the highlight of the year for him. Aaron unabashedly loved all of his dogs, and they loved him.
In 2008 he moved to Wolf Creek, MT building their dream home and loving life back in Montana. He attended Life Covenant Church in Helena and treasured his church family there.
Aaron is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Lillian, son Greg, Greg’s wife Kathy, sisters Wendy C. (David) Duensing, Cynthia Rose (Bryan) Ballou of Helena, and sister-in-law Madelyn (Artie) Bucholz of Great Falls, nephews Jeffry Bucholz and Alan Bucholz of Great Falls, Aunt Lillie Mae Messner and grandchildren Mia Bella, Camron, Hale and Aurelia of Spokane, WA.
Also surviving are dear life-long friends Jack (Cougar) Kenny of Deer Lodge, MT, Pat Kenny of Lincoln, MT, and Billy and Leigh Thompson. Aaron is “Papa” to Leigh and Billy’s young children Buck, Charlie Claire, and Hank. His bonus family members Stanley (Dusty) and Pam Duensing. Survivors on Lillian’s side of the family are Sisters Virginia, Vivian, Jean, Beth and brother Paul, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Preceding Aaron in death is his Father Arthur A. Bucholz, Mother Alma M. Bucholz, brother Arthur R. Bucholz, and brother-in-law David (Wendy) Duensing.
Aaron’s family would like to acknowledge with thankful gratitude the army of angels who took care of him. Dr. Loretta Bolyard PhD, PC, St. Peter’s Health Hospice team, especially Aleta, Barb and Iain; Home Instead’s dedicated caregivers especially Tim Costigan who kept Aaron engaged and enjoying his favorite things longer than he would have otherwise.
Memorials in Aaron’s name can be made to St. Peters Health Hospice Light a Life. Condolences can also be shared at www.aswfuneralhome.com in memory of Aaron.
A visitation will take place on Monday, December 8, 2025 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602 from 4-6pm. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 10am and Life Covenant Church, 800 N Hoback St., Helena, MT 59601. Following the service, a reception will be held at the church. A 2pm burial with military honors will be held at Sunset Memorial Park, 5001 Crackerville Road, Butte, MT 59702.
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00pm to 6:00pm
Monday December 8, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
10:00am
Tuesday December 9, 2025
Life Covenant Church
800 N Hoback Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday December 9, 2025
Life Covenant Church
800 N Hoback Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
2:00pm
Tuesday December 9, 2025
Sunset Memorial Park
5001 Crackerville Road
Butte, Montana 59702
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00pm to 6:00pm
Monday December 8, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
10:00am
Tuesday December 9, 2025
Life Covenant Church
800 N Hoback Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday December 9, 2025
Life Covenant Church
800 N Hoback Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
2:00pm
Tuesday December 9, 2025
Sunset Memorial Park
5001 Crackerville Road
Butte, Montana 59702
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Vicki Scott says
Lil, Sending my heartfelt condolences for your profound loss. Aaron loved you to the moon. He touched and impacted so many lives, including mine. He was such a fine person, neighbor on Walnut Street in Kenai, terrific PAC, friend and co-worker at the Plant. I think of you both often and will be keeping you especially in my prayers as you work through this very difficult and sad time. Godspeed. Rest in Peace, Aaron. 🌹
virginia Hoffman says
I met my brother-in-law Aaron when he came to the lower 48 for a medical conference in California and opted to meet his new in-laws in Louisiana. Which could have been a scary event, however, he and my husband Gary hit it off and ended up being forever friends. I’m sure their reunion last week was something to behold.
I have so many happy memories of the times I have spent with Lillian and Aaron, Alaska, San Antonio, Montana, and our travels back to Michigan. Aaron will be missed, but the Friendship and love will always be part of me. RIP Mr. B.
Marc Deede says
Thank you for the beautiful tribute you provided here. It was a rewarding honor to know Aaron and to practice medicine with him, both in private practice and in occupational medicine while he was at Unocal. He held the 4th Physician Assistant license issued by the State of Alaska and did it justice beyond the title it bears, providing early state and local leadership for the expansion of care in Alaska. When he joined my practice, he came with a ledger of diagnoses he’d made that exceeded 2000 in number. The depth of experience he brought to his work was an inspiration to me, as was the outlook he took. I still recall practical advice he offered for patient care and then there were, of course, the hunting stories (“brown bear, one shot.”) My wife Kirsten joins me in expressing our deepest sympathy for your loss, Lillian, and your whole family network.
Judy Phillips says
Lil, Keith and I are sending our deepest condolences for your loss. It was such a priviledge to work with Aaron for all the years he was at Unocal. He was a great boss as well as a friend. Praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
Garth Reid says
It was a privilege to have know Aaron as a fellow physician assistant in the Kenai area. He was an outstanding individual and medical provider. He was so well respected and was a legend in the minds and hearts of his former patients. May the Savior’s Peace be with his family at this time.
Keith Laurie says
Aaron was so interesting to work with at Unocal, and workplace lunches with him were a blast. His energy and dedication inspired everyone around him (me included) to work better. I was fortunate to know him.
My deepest condolences.