Wisconsin Mother Missing for Over 60 Years Found Alive

Two mothers from Wisconsin, missing for more than six decades, have been located alive as investigators reopened a cold case.

Audrey Buckeberg was just 20 years old when she vanished from her home in Leesburg—about 55 miles northwest of Madison—on July 7, 1962. At the time, she was living with her husband, Ronald Buckeberg, and their two children.

For years, the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office pursued various leads regarding her disappearance but ultimately deemed the case cold.

Recently, however, the sheriff’s office made a remarkable announcement: despite the time that had passed, they were able to establish that Buckeberg was living in another state.

Through the reinterviewing of witnesses and an extensive review of all case files and evidence, they confirmed her status in a press release.

Detective Isaac Hanson took over the case in March as part of a comprehensive review of cold cases within the office. He spent several weeks analyzing old witness statements, reevaluating past evidence, and following new leads that eventually led to Buckeberg’s discovery.

“The sisters had an Ancestry.com account, which turned out to be helpful in locating death records, census data, and more,” said Detective Hanson, who reported that he found an address and contacted the local sheriff’s office there.

During a 45-minute conversation, Buckeberg revealed that she had left her home to escape an abusive relationship with her husband.

“I think she distanced herself and made a life for herself,” he noted. “She seemed content and confident about her choices—no regrets.”

Days before her disappearance, Buckeberg had filed charges against Ronald for severe abuse, which included a head injury and threats involving a firearm. Despite raising these concerns with authorities, Ronald remained in the home with her and their children.

On the day she went missing, she had left to collect her paycheck from her job at a local Woolen Mill. Following her disappearance, Ronald claimed to search for her, while her family believed she would never abandon her kids.

A 14-year-old babysitter later suggested that Buckeberg might have hitchhiked to Madison before taking a bus to Indiana. However, when police sought to question the babysitter, she was hesitant to cooperate.

The detective noted, about 15 years later, the babysitter mentioned that Buckeberg had ingested pills mixed with soda before boarding a bus to Indianapolis.

Hanson confirmed that Buckeberg’s departure was voluntary and emphasized that she had never been in danger during the time she was classified as missing. However, he did not disclose details about her current living situation.

If you or someone you know is struggling with issues related to domestic violence, help is available. You can reach the domestic violence hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text at 88788.