Jacob Andrew “Jake” Buchl, 30, of Kasson-Mantorville, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026. He was born in Quincy, Illinois to John and Linda (Witschen) Buchl, Jake was a beloved son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, caregiver, and friend. He cared deeply about others and sought connection through music, conversation, and shared experiences.
A 2014 graduate of Kasson-Mantorville High School, Jake was voted “Most Involved” by his classmates. He enjoyed participating in student council, knowledge bowl, FCCLA, football, basketball, track, singing in choir, and playing saxophone in the band.
Following his football concussions, Jacob faced years of challenging health issues including sensitivity to light and sound. He approached his recovery with determination, making significant progress while finding joy and meaning in music even as symptoms persisted.
A dedicated self-taught guitarist, singer, and songwriter, Jake created and recorded original songs, wrote poetry and performed in small venues in the surrounding Rochester area. He also shared music with residents of Pine Haven nursing home in Pine Island, where he worked as an activities assistant.
Jake loved hiking, kayaking, and exploring nature, both alone and with friends and family. He frequently invited others on hikes and struck up conversations with people from all walks of life. We recall him spending time with the homeless and on one occasion inviting them into our home for a meal and a change of clothes. He inherited his Great Grandpa Ratto and Great Grandma Witschen’s love for gardening and enjoyed collecting and planting a variety of seeds.
In 2026, Jake completed the Ophthalmic Assistant Training Program at Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. Upon looking for work as an ophthalmic assistant in North Dakota, Jacob came across an opening with the U.S. Postal Service in Bisbee, ND, close to the Buchl Family Farm where his father grew up. He quickly jumped on the opportunity and completed training soon after being hired. He was just getting started with this new position.
Jacob is survived by his parents, John and Linda; his siblings, Benjamin (Elisabeth), Samuel, Hannah (Neal) Abbott, and Joshua; his nephews and nieces, Stanley, JT, Linly, Kolbe, and Mae; his grandfather, Andrew Witschen; and many extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Stanley and Catherine Buchl and Bernice Witschen.
A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1904 Mantorville Avenue North in Kasson, MN. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of his mass at the church. A light luncheon will follow Mass. Interment will be in St. Margaret's cemetery in Mantorville, MN.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Aiden’s Light or Holy Family Catholic Church in Jake’s honor. The family welcomes memories, photographs, videos, and music celebrating his life. A scrapbook will be available at the church, and we invite you to help fill its pages with your favorite memories of him.
Jake will be remembered for his humor, free spirit, beautiful music, love of nature, and genuine interest in people and their stories. He was kind beyond measure and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
To honor Jacob, please talk to a stranger, help someone who is homeless, visit someone who is homebound or in a nursing home and sing to and with them. Invite someone to take a walk with you. Message an old friend. Always be kind to one another and thus Jacob’s love will live on.
To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN 55940 (507) 634-6510. Blessed be his memory.
