Donald Merle Bourquin

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