Donalda Donnie Buxmann

I was born Donalda Virginia Buxmann May 4, 1921 to George and Kate (Wendland) Buerkle in Kilbernie, ND. I was also known as “Donnie” and “Sarge” to many friends. My 3 older brothers and I attended a German country school until our family moved to Sanish, ND.

I left at age 14 to make my way in the world working as a waitress. At age 16 I joined Gil Jensen and the Radio Players band and toured 3 states putting on a 3 act show and at one point, we were snowed in at the same hotel as Lawrence Welk for a week and had many jam sessions with his band. At 18, I hitch hiked my way to San Diego, CA and worked for Consolidated Aircrafts, where I was “Rosie the Riveter”. At 21, I enlisted in the US Marine Corps and spent the next 3 years operating a Turret lathe. After receiving my honorable discharge at Cherry Point, NC, I came to Denver, CO and married the Marine I met in San Diego, John Buxmann Jr. March 1, 1946. Two sons were born, Barry and Rory. Sadly Barry died at the age of 6yrs. We moved to Loveland in 1961. I went to work for D&L Transport in ’65 which later became Trans Western Express in Kelim, CO. I worked there for 32 years and retired at 74. I loved fishing, camping, boating and traveling. On our 25th wedding anniversary, we traveled to Las Vegas where I was able to sing on stage with Wayne Newton.

I am survived by my son, Rory and wife Judy.

I have 3 granddaughters, Tami Young, Shannon Buxmann and Taylor McCartney, 3 great granddaughters, Katie Young, Bailey Kerbs, and Izabella McCartney. I have 2 grandsons, Curtis Raso and Brandon Buxmann, and 2 great grandsons, Braden Carlson and Landon McCartney.

Preceding me in death were both parents, a son Barry, my husband John, brothers Fritz, Harry, and LeRoy and sister Shirley.

Services will be held Friday September 23, at 2:00 pm at Resthaven followed by a reception at the home of Rory and Judy Buxmann. Hawaiian attire is requested at both events.