He was born in Minot, North Dakota on March 26, 1939, and later graduated from Saint Leo's High School and received degrees in Math, Biology, and Secondary Education from Minot State University. From a young age, Donald developed a talent as a chef beginning at his brother Larry's cafe and went on to cook in the U.S. Army, Yellowstone National Park, and he even cooked for President Eisenhower (1953-1961) at a Canadian Summit where he shooed the Secret Service out of his kitchen.
After working as a farm hand for his Uncle Behm growing up, he endeavored as a chef in his early teenage years, where he worked with his sister, Ursula, at their older brother Larry’s restaurant in Minot, ND. He was later drafted into the Army in 1957 and achieved the rank of Pvt. 2nd Class, where he excelled in Engineer training becoming a Construction Draftsman. He graduated from Minot State University in 1961 and finished out his service with an honorable discharge in 1965 cooking for the North Dakota Nation Guard during summer training events. Donald married Karen Yvonne Danner on June 24, 1966, in Chariton, Iowa. Around this time, he was a math teacher and cooked professionally during the summers at Yellowstone National Park. He went on and eventually worked his way up to Management at various Concrete Construction companies over the years, most notably Utility Vault in Chandler, AZ and most recently Pleasanton, CA. He then retired to Sun Lakes, AZ with Mom in the early 2000’s. Donald had a passion for cooking, fishing, playing golf, coaching youth sports, and his favorite of all, playing with his Grandson Wyatt.
He is survived by his sons, Donald J. (Patricia) Buettner Jr. and Timothy M. (Shannon) Buettner; grandson, Wyatt M. Buettner; and sister, Ursula Shaw. Donald is preceded in death by his wife, Karen Buettner.
A visitation for Donald will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by his funeral service beginning at 12:00 PM. A graveside service with military honors for Donald will occur at 1:00 PM, all services at Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, 10940 East Chandler Heights Road, Chandler, Arizona 85248.
