Donald Burkhartzmeyer, age 97, of Faribault, passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at District One Hospital.
Donald, known to all as Buck, was born in 1924 in an upstairs bedroom of a small house on Division St in Faribault, Mn. He lived in Faribault his entire life and graduated from FSHS in 1942. From there he enrolled in the US Navy and served four years during WW2. Stationed in Farragut, Idaho is where he got his start solving foot problems as he served the young recruits with their sore and swollen feet. When the war ended he returned home to work in his family’s newly established shoe repair shop. In 1949 Burkhartzmeyer Shoe Store was founded, thus beginning his career, along with his parents and two brothers, of providing footwear and special orthotics for those in need. He reached the top level in his field by becoming a Certified Pedorthist.
At a Trinity Church ice cream social he met Delilah Brase. She stole his heart, they married in 1952 and together had four children. Buck loved many things and at the top of the list was his home town of Faribault. He would gladly give a private tour to any who expressed interest, stopping at all of Faribault’s many worthy sites. Some referred to him as the “unofficial tour guide of Faribo”. He strived to always give back to his community and participated in the Exchange Club, United Way, Chamber Club, Book of Golden Deeds, Maple Lawn Cemetery Board, Class of 42 scholarship committee and Board of Elders at Trinity. During his life he was the recipient of the JC Distinguished Service Award, MN Council Quality Service Award, Unsung Hero Award, Faribault Business of the Yr Award (shoe store) and FSHS Distinguished Alumni Award.
In high school Buck lettered in four sports (football, basketball, baseball and golf). He was a childhood friend and teammate of Faribo’s Heisman trophy winner Bruce Smith. He was an avid golfer and a passionate sports fan. He followed and cheered for all of Minnesota’s sports teams at every level of play.
In his later years he was a committed caregiver, first to his mother and then to his wife during their years in nursing homes. Buck’s goodness touched many. He believed in kindness and helping others. He always said, “a smile never costs you anything.”
Buck is survived by his four children, eight grand-daughters and two great-grandchildren: Brian of Lakeville (Ally/John, Arlo and Cordelia Beckius), Brenda of Apple Valley (Steve Huff, Anndee/Tony Chester, Jessie/Ward Huff-Cook, Kayla/Andrew Knesley), Bradley of Tacoma, WA (Susannah Nuriel) and Barry of Portland, OR (Jan, Danni, Kali, Alyx and Katy). His strong faith leaves no doubt that he is dancing in heaven with his beloved wife.
He was preceded in death by his wife (Delilah); his parents (Martha and Ferdie) and his two brothers and sister-in-law (Alvin and Walter/Ruth Ann).
A small family service to honor Buck will be held at Trinity Church. A video recording of Buck’s funeral services will be available on January 15, through a link found on his obituary page. A community celebration to celebrate his life is planned for the spring of 2022. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Trinity Church, Alzheimer’s Association or donor’s choice. Visit boldtfuneralhome.com for information and guest book.
