Donald Edwin Buzzell

MSG Donald Edwin Buzzell, age 93, of St. Cloud, MN (formerly of Tracy, MN) passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025, at the St. Cloud Veterans Home with his loving family by his side. Born on October 3, 1931, Don was raised in Tracy, MN, and graduated from Tracy High School in 1949. Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States Army, beginning a distinguished and lifelong career of service. He briefly left the Army to attend Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis, where he met the love of his life, Patricia (Pat) Reineke. They married on June 27, 1953, and began their life together in Tracy, MN. Together, they raised four children: Debra, Michael, Dawn, and Reina.

Don re-enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard, where he proudly served for 43 years, ultimately achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. His expertise spanned artillery, logistics, supply, and transportation. Among his many honors, he served as chauffeur to the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard.

In addition to his military service, Don worked as a linotype operator and photographer for the Tracy Headlight Herald. He was an active member of the Tracy community, serving on the Tracy School Board, teaching gym at St. Mary’s Catholic School, and announcing high school football games on the radio.

In 1974, Don and Pat moved to St. Cloud, MN, where he worked as a computer typesetter at Sentinel Printing. In that role, he helped produce numerous local and regional publications, including telephone books and printed works.

Don was deeply committed to faith, family, and community. He was an American Legion Commander, a Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus, and was honored as Knight of the Year.

In retirement, Don continued to serve his community with the same dedication that defined his life. He delivered Meals on Wheels for the St. Cloud community well into his 90s, continuing past his 91st birthday. A man of deep faith, Don remained active in church ministries throughout his life—singing in the choir, lecturing, ushering, and serving as a sacristan at St. Peter's Church into his late 80s and early 90s. He was also an avid outdoorsman in his younger years, enjoying hunting and fishing, and he never lost his love of card games. Don especially enjoyed playing cribbage and took part in tournaments at the Whitney Senior Center and in Sartell until just months before his passing.

Don is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia; his parents, Mark and Minnie (Cannedy) Buzzell; five brothers; and six sisters. He is lovingly remembered by his children, Debra (Thomas) Greenfield, of Garvin, MN, Michael Buzzell, of Brooklyn Park, MN, Dawn (John) Mealey, of Longmont, CO, Reina (Robert) Olson, of Brooklyn Park, MN. He also leaves behind grandchildren, Kimberly (Gregory) Seaton and Kandi Greenfield, of Garvin, MN, Rebecca Olson, of Brooklyn Park, MN, John Mealey and Michael Mealey, of Longmont, CO; six great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated nurses and caregivers of CentraCare Hospice and the St. Cloud Veterans Home Hospice for their compassionate care in Don’s final days.

A Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 AM on August 16, 2025, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 930 31st Ave. N., St. Cloud, MN, 56303. A luncheon and gathering will follow the service.

A private interment for the immediate family will take place at Camp Ripley Veterans Cemetery at a later date.