After many days of struggling on life support, Lloyd “Burt” Burtness lost his battle and passed away peacefully on July 24, 2021, with family at his side.
He was born to Norwegian parents, Leonard and Adeline Burtness on their farm in Ulen, MN on September 6, 1936. His early schooling was in a one-room school, then he attended Ulen schools where he graduated in 1954.
Lloyd enlisted in the US Army in January 1955. He proudly served his country in A Battery 85th Field Artillery in Germany for 28 months, mustering out on January 17, 1958. Lloyd enjoyed Germany and the surrounding countries. After his discharge, he was in the elevator/grain business for 40 years, from Kindred, ND to Hawley, Fargo, Baker, and Sabin MN to Dutton Co-op, which became Triangle Terminal and Mountain View under his management.
Lloyd married Sylvia Sather in 1959 and they adopted two sons, Larry and Dan in 1975. They later divorced. He married Betty Odden Knutson on February 16, 1985.
Burt was a long-time member of Freeborn Post #64 American Legion of Dutton, serving as a commander and he was instrumental at that time in reconstructing the 104 Star Fighter Airplane which is now outside on the grounds of the American Legion Hall in Dutton. He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church (a noted lutefisk cook there), Eagles, Elks, Masonic Lodge #34, and the Algerian Shrine where he was a member of the Hsan Tauf horse patrol. He enjoyed both playing and watching football (Vikings), baseball (Twins), and basketball (Mpls. Lakers). He also participated in track in high school. Skydiving was a thing he enjoyed, making around 200 jumps. Burt also enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, carving diamond willow canes and walking sticks, gardening, reloading ammo, and anything related to the land.
His most memorable trips were several to Alaska for fishing, a five-day horseback trip with Betty to the Bob Marshall Chinese Wall, winters in Arizona on the Colorado River, RV-ing to Alaska and Mexico in 2002 and 2003, and many trips to Minnesota for Memorial Day, Ulen Turkey Day, and Barnesville Potato Days. Favorite horses were Roger, Diamond, and Sage. Favorite dogs were King, Jake, and many German Shorthairs that he raised and trained winning many ribbons at shows, and their cat, Ernie.
Preceding Lloyd in death were his parents; brother, David; Sylvia Burtness; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. Survivors are his wife, Betty; sons, Larry of MN, Dan (Alana) Burtness of Cut Bank, MT; stepsons, Doug (Gina) and Max (Jill) Van Heel of Great Falls and Bruce (Betty) Van Heel of Deerfield Beach, FL; 17 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He loved them all!
A celebration of life was held on August 7, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Dutton. A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on September 11, 2021, in North Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery in Ulen, MN. Memorial suggestions are the Wounded Warriors, Freeborn Post #64 Dutton, or a charity of your choice.
Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, and CDC guidelines, social distancing will be practiced.
Please feel free to sign the guestbook, send condolences and view other opportunities which may be available.
Arrangements entrusted to Anderson Family Funeral Home, Twin Valley, MN
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