West Allis WWII veteran rings in 100th birthday, credits long life to Green Bay Packers and his wife

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Not many people get to say they’ve lived through an entire century – in West Allis, friends and family gathered to celebrate a man who’s done just that. 

It was the celebration of a century at manor park as longtime resident Edward Buchta rang in his 100th birthday. 

“Still being able to breathe and talk at 100-years-old, it’s amazing,” said Buchta. 

To live such a long life, Buchta says there’s some rules you have to follow.

Number one: Root for the Green Bay Packers. 

“When I was 13 years old, I was taken to a championship game at State Fair Park with the Packers and Giants,” said Buchta. 

Number two: Marry the love of your life - for Buchta, that was his wife 

“She kept me going. People said she had to have a lot of patience with me and she did,” said Buchta. 

Number three: Eat as many sweets as you want. 

“I eat cake, donuts, cookies. Not candy, but give me a bakery and oh my gosh,” said Buchta. 

Friends say Buchta’s lived an inspiring life. 

“I’m thrilled. I’m thrilled and the fact that he’s a World War II vet. There’s very few of them left so it’s another celebration in and of itself,” said Jan Schneider. “It’s people like Ed that make me and others want to live till they’re 100. If you can be that viable at 100-years-old, congratulations. You've done something right.”

It’s a life Buchta says he’d live again – 100 times over. 

“I had a great life. I wouldn’t trade my life,” said Buchta.

Edward Buchta