Maurice John Buchholz

Maurice John Buchholz

Dec 23, 1925 – Feb 23, 2026

One of 13 children, Maurice was born and raised on a farm in Ripon, Wisconsin, to Frank Buchholz and Helen (Mehn) Buchholz. Maurice graduated from Ripon College and served in the Army Air Corps, working on planes during WWII.

After the war, Maurice came to Tacoma, where his brother Clayton lived. He worked briefly in a furniture factory before joining the Tacoma Police Department on April 7, 1947. In July of 1947, he married Clayton’s sister-in-law, Gloria Mae Walter, to whom he was married until her death in 2022.

Dad was promoted through the ranks to Detective, Lieutenant, and Captain, and retired as a Captain on October 23, 1972. After TPD, he served as the head of school security for Tacoma School District #10.

He was preceded in death by his parents; ten brothers and sisters; his wife of 74 years, Gloria; his son, John; and his great-grandson, Baby Sam Sears. He is survived by two sisters, Helen Sawall and Donna (Chet) Burton; five children: Christine (Bill) Rankin, Barbara, Maurine (Tom) Gunsauls, Richard (Patricia), and David (Christine); as well as eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Dad was noted for his sense of humor—passed on to his children—and his generosity. Until his passing, he regularly participated in and donated to several charitable organizations.

Burial arrangements will be made by Gaffney Funeral Home.