Brian Buening (37) of Harvest, Al, Formerly of Effingham

Brian R. Buening, 37, of Harvest, AL, passed away on Friday, August 6, 2021.

Private memorial services will be held at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham, IL.

Memorials may be made to the Effingham County Veteran Memorial or “After the Long Walk” (an organization for EOD technicians created in an effort to prevent suicide). Online condolences may be shared by clicking here. 

Brian was born on July 9, 1984, in Effingham, IL, the son of Robert Buening and Bonita Buening Hoffman.

Brian graduated from Lincoln’s Challenge Academy in 2002. He served in the United States Army from 2003 until his honorable discharge in 2011, completing two deployments in Iraq. The first was in 2004-2005 with the 58th Infantry. He then began training in EOD (explosive ordinance disposal) and graduated as valedictorian of his class in 2006. His second deployment as an EOD Sergeant between November 2007 and January 2009 earned him the Bronze Star for meritorious service in the performance of combat duties as an EOD Sergeant in support of the 62nd Ordinance Company. During that deployment, he responded to over 150 combat missions with no injuries to anybody in his unit despite direct enemy contact on more than 18 separate occasions.

After leaving the Army, Brian attended the University of Alabama and graduated in 2016 Cum Laude with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Brian was currently employed as an electrical engineer of Avionics products for Dynetics in Huntsville, AL.

Brian enjoyed hunting, fishing, kayaking, 4-wheel riding, jeeping, backyard barbeques with neighbors and hanging out with friends. Brian’s neighbors, co-workers, and friends described him as a loving father and good friend. Brian was a disabled American Veteran who struggled with PTSD and severe emotional distress.

Brian is survived by his mother, Bonita Hoffman of Watson, IL; sisters, Christa (Scott) Westendorf of Effingham and Stephanie Hoffman (Jason Burner) both of Effingham, IL; brother, Jacob (Daphne) Hoffman of Altamont, IL; grandmother, Phyllis Buening; 10 nieces and nephews; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his son, Tate Ethan Buening; father, Robert Buening; stepfather, Bob Hoffman; grandparents, John “Jack” Buening and Noble F. and Idamae Brown; and step-grandparents, Joe and Mary Louise Hoffman.