Donald Dean Buerkley

June 16, 1944 ~ July 21, 2021

Donald Dean Buerkley was born June 16, 1944 in Minneapolis, MN to Albert and Gail (Larson) Buerkley. He grew up in Park Rapids, MN and graduated from Park Rapids High School in 1962. Donald obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Minnesota.

Donald was united in marriage to Sandra Lee Motley on September 4, 1965. Together they were blessed with three children: Donald, Michele and Dana.  Donald was employed with 3M, retiring after 38 years of service. He was a devoted member of the Park Rapids Horse Posse, Tall Pine Rider’s Club, a volunteer for many Rodeo and Horse Shows, a halter horse champion and trainer, and Gypsy Arabian horse owner/breeder.

Donald was active in each community he has lived in: Park Rapids, MN, Two Inlets, MN, Cave Creek, AZ and Elk Mound, WI - to say a few. He loved traveling with his best friend and wife, Sandy. Together they would take his horse, Prince, on trail rides throughout the United States,  accompanied by many dozens of close friends. He was an avid tennis player his entire life. Donald was a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Judo and also competed in Karate. He loved passing this passion on to youngsters through his teaching the art of both. Donald spent his whole adult life as a desert rat and enjoyed riding off-road vehicles with his family and close friends. Family was his number one priority. He would do anything for anyone, anytime and at any cost.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 55 years, Sandra Buerkley; children: Donald (Sarah) Buerkley; Michele (Marton Smith) Baker; Dana (Dale) Hanson; siblings: Henry (Mary) Buerkley; Conrad (Thelma) Buerkley; Lila (Ken) Kalish; 11 grandchildren: Sieaira (Cece) Hammond-Smith; Kayla Baker; Christopher Baker; Dustin Hanson; Danielle (Trenton) Faber; Ross (Allison) Buerkley; Ahrie'lle Smith; Shane Buerkley; Marton Smith Jr.; Mark Smith; Mariah Smith; 2 great-grandchildren: Paisley Hanson Befort Paul; Wyatt Faber; and many cherished nieces and nephews along with numerous other family members, coworkers and friends.

Donald passed away on July 21, 2021 in New Auburn, Wisconsin. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.  He is preceded in death by his parents: Gail and Albert Buerkley; and great-granddaughter, Sophie Lynn Faber.