Delbert Buffington

DELBERT BUFFINGTON was born on December 27, 1929 to Harold and Edna (Beyers) Buffington on the farm in Fountain Prairie Township of Pipestone County, Minnesota. He attended country school through the eighth grade. He was baptized and confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church in Holland, Minnesota. He grew up on the farm and worked for various farmers until 1952 when he entered the United States Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict. While in the military, he served as a military police officer and attained the rank of Corporal First Class. He was honorably discharged in 1954. He then lived in Washington and worked in maintenance and cleaning for various businesses. While in Washington, he met Frances Irene Pearl. The couple was united in marriage in 1956 and their union was blessed with two daughters, Edna and Ronda. They moved to Pipestone, Minnesota for a short time and then Florida where Delbert worked in construction. In 1964, they moved to Hopkins, Minnesota where Delbert worked for Sears. In 1975, they moved to Holland, Minnesota and operated the Holland Caf. Delbert also drove truck delivering mail for Darvy Kor. He later drove a route for the Argus Leader newspaper for 20 years. Frances 'Irene' died in 2000. After her death, Delbert continued to live at his home in Holland. In 2005, he was diagnosed with lung cancer and also COPD and emphysema. On Tuesday, July 12, 2011, he died at his home in Holland at the age of 81 years, six months, and 15 days.
Delbert was a member of the Earl Gruis American Legion Post #534 of Holland, Minnesota and a past member of the Lion's Club. He enjoyed fishing, NASCAR, Minnesota Twins baseball, bowling, and collecting Ford memorabilia, coins and various currencies. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.
Delbert is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Edna (Dave) Peacher of Sedro-Woolley of Washington, and Ronda DeBruin (and friend Jack Streich) of Holland, Minnesota; five grandchildren, Robert Roby (and Tara), Linda Roby (and Gordon Olsen), Clorinda (Mike) Johnson, Shawn Nelson (Heidi Gorter), and Kristen Brooks; six great-grandchildren, Cody, Calysta, Tyler, Brittney, Zakery, and Alayna; three siblings, Lester (Marlene) Buffington of Holland, Minnesota, Roger Buffington of Dickinson, North Dakota, and Arlen (Cheryl) Buffington of Mesa, Arizona; and many nieces, nephews, other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; parents; infant brother Dale; and two siblings, Lola and Wallace.