On July 19, 2022, the New Ulm Police Department reported the discovery of the body of 57-year-old Christine Marie Buechner near the Diocese of New Ulm at approximately 3:15 p.m. A concerned citizen found her remains north of the diocese building. Authorities indicated that Buechner appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, with a 9mm handgun found at the scene.
Prior to this tragic event, Buechner had been reported missing, last seen around 5 a.m. on July 17. Due to concerns for her welfare, the police initiated a search operation, utilizing drones from the Brown County Sheriff's Office and a private contractor. Despite these efforts, she was not located until the citizen's report two days later.
Buechner was a lifelong resident of New Ulm, Minnesota, born on March 4, 1965, to John and Roslyn Kuck. She graduated from New Ulm High School in 1983 and worked as a paraprofessional for School District 88. In 2012, she married Mike Buechner and was an active member of Christ the King Lutheran Church. She is remembered for her love of thrift shopping, car cruises, animals—especially her dog Daizzy—and, most importantly, spending time with her family and grandchildren.
In the wake of her passing, no arrests were made, nor were any suspects sought, as the evidence pointed to a self-inflicted act. A memorial service was held on July 23, 2022, at Christ the King Lutheran Church in New Ulm, where family and friends gathered to honor her memory.
