Burrell W. Buren

Burrell W. Burren, Jr., 74, of Britt, Iowa died on April 8, 2007 in his home following a lengthy illness.

Burrell was born in 1932 in Albert Lea, Minnesota, the son of Burrell E. Buren, Sr. and Alice (Smith) Buren.  They later moved to the Britt area.  As a boy his family owned and operated Buren cash grocery in Britt.  Much of his time was filled with gardening to keep the store filled with fresh produce.  In 1946 he won the Des Moines Registers contest for the most papers sold and money earned.  His prize included a trip to Boone, Iowa and the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, a very high honor.  He served in the army with the infantry from 1953 to 1955 being stationed in Germany.  After being discharged he married Sheryl Wicks on October 19, 1956 in Mason City, Iowa.  They later divorced.  He worked for Iowa Electric (Alliant Energy) as an electrician.  He took early retirement in 1991 after 35 years of service.

Camping and fishing filled the early years of his families lives.  He outfitted a school bus with all the necessities of home.  Many enjoyable hours were spent on the road and at campsites.  He and Ray Bartik started the B& B Tree Service as a successful sideline business; they worked together for many years.  He continued with the business until his health failed in 1996.

In 1986 he fulfilled his dream of building his own home and creating a small pond on the property.  A variety of exotic birds and animals were always there for the family and community to enjoy.  His enjoyment was watching others enjoy his small zoo.  He loved animals and was always nursing back to health any number of wild animals or pets.

His love of country music was passed to his daughter Monica.  He never tired of listening to her sing.  He wrote a song that she sang on the Cancer Telethon in 1980.

Survivors include three daughters: Vicki (Mike) Noble of Britt, Melanie Buren of Broomfield, Colorado, Monica (Dan) Abbas of Kanawha; brother John Buren of Britt; Sister, Mary Alice (Jerry) Devine of Estherville, Iowa; former wife, Sheryl Buren of Kanawha and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Bob Buren.