Buckner, Donald M.

MONTICELLO - Donald M. Buckner, 87, of Monticello, died Friday, Sept. 24, 2010, at the Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Don's passing came after an eight-year battle with bone cancer. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, at First Presbyterian Church, Monticello, with interment in Oakwood Cemetery. The Rev. Al Polito will officiate at the services. Friends may call from 4 until 8 p.m. Tuesday at Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello.

Surviving are six children, Donna (Gerry) Rohr, Dianne (Jerry) Haag, William (Ann) Buckner, all of Monticello, Robert Buckner (fiancee Lori Boffeli), Cascade, Richard (Janet) Buckner, Hopkinton, and Debra (David) Claus, Sacramento, Calif.; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Frances Kuhns Alderman and Barbara Falconer; and his wife, Earlene who passed in 2002.

Donald M. Buckner was born Sept. 5, 1923, at Anamosa, Iowa. He was the son of Merle and Minnie Hubbard Buckner. He received his education in the Center Junction Schools, graduating with the Class of 1943. Donald M. Buckner and Earlene Y. Battles were married Feb. 21, 1945, at the United Methodist Church, Center Junction. Don worked with his parents at Buckner Bottling Works, bottling both pop and milk. The family later started Buckner Rendering Service in 1947. Don and Earlene took over the business in 1953. The couple operated Buckner Rendering Service for 32 years, retiring in 1985. After retiring Don did seasonal work for CPS and shuttled vehicles for Freese Motors.

Don was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. “Buck” was a true handyman and enjoyed tinkering in his garage where he could repair just about anything. In his retirement years he enjoyed spending more time with his family, “customizing” his vehicles, riding his motorcycles, and his walks along the golf course.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.