"My heart goes out to you all. Don was a very loving and dear friend. I will remember him always. God bless you all, Sally (Schwersinske) Oviatt"
In loving memory of
Donald Merle Bourquin
January 7, 1936 - September 15, 2021
Donald Merle Bourquin, 85, of Byron, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at Cottagewood Senior Communities in Rochester due to complications of Alzheimer's disease.
Don was born on January 7, 1936 in Olmsted County to John and Clara (Behnken) Bourquin. He attended country school and graduated from Rochester High School. He married Elaine Reinecke and together they had three children. Elaine passed away in March of 1988. In July of 1989, Don married Dorothy Suddendorf.
He was a fourth-generation dairy and crop farmer. He took over the family farm at the age of 17 when his father became disabled. He milked cows until 1979. He received many awards including Outstanding Young Farmer, River Friendly Farmer, and Farm Family of the Year. He served on the Rochester Township Board as well as the Farm Service Agency County Committee and the Soil Conservation Board.
Don attended church faithfully and was a deacon and usher at Peace United Church of Christ in Rochester and later at Byron United Methodist Church. He loved family and friends, animals, John Deere tractors, and ice cream.
Don is survived by his wife of 32 years, Dorothy; daughter Glenda (Brian) Mueller; sons Kenneth (Mary) and Alan; step-children Scott Suddendorf, Susan (Sam) Smith, and Stephanie Suddendorf; granddaughters Melissa (Ben) Stetson and Samantha Kraft; step-grandchildren Michael Pfiefer, Mallory Smith, Laura Suddendorf and Alyssa Suddendorf; and many step great-grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
The family would like to extend a special thank you Susan Smith, Stephanie Suddendorf, Mayo Hospice and Cottagewood Senior Communities for the excellent care and support they provided.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 22 at 11:00 a.m. at Byron United Methodist Church. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, September 21 from 4-7 p.m. at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Internment will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester.
Memorials are suggested to Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Research or Byron United Methodist Church.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Bourquin family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Our sincere and heartfelt sympathy for the loss of Don. He was such a nice, humble man and his sparkling blue eyes twinkled when he smiled. Please know your family is in our thoughts. Sincerely, The Badger Family"
"My sympathy on the passing of Don, always enjoyed our visits when I work at the elevator."
"My sympathy to Don's family. I worked with and visited with Don while working at the Farm Service Agency, and I always found him to be a caring and uplifting individual. No matter the circumstances, he always had a smile on his face and a greeting for everyone. He will be missed. Dave Lassig"
"Hugs and Prayers for the entire family. Don always had time to visit with this city girl when I worked at SEMA Equipment. I enjoyed his many stories and his smile and kindness always made my day a little brighter. Don will never be forgotten. Shirley "
"Thoughts and prayers to Don and his family My father, Jim Christenson grew up together and were life time friends. We were neighbors to Dorothy. Wonderful people. RIP Don. Dave Christenson and family"