
Thomas W. “Bird” Burchett of Buffalo, MN passed away peacefully with his family by his side on February 2, 2025 at Abbott Hospital.
Tom was born the son of Donald and Clarice Burchett on March 18, 1947 in St. Cloud, MN and graduated from Maple Lake High School in 1965. Residing in Buffalo for the majority of his life, Tom married Renee in 1995 and was a loyal member of the Local 49’ers for over 40 years; nothing made Tom happier than playing in the dirt.
Tom was a generous, hard-working man known for his iconic Harley Davidson chopper, quick laugh and mischievous sense of humor. He was a friend to everyone and made sure to stop in at his favorite establishments to grab a pop and a quick visit since “an hour is too long.” The stories of his youth will live on forever. He wanted everyone to make the most of the day as “Mornin’s Comin’,” even if the kids didn’t appreciate the 10 pm quiet time (regardless of their age). Tom was loved deeply by his family and would happily give a whisker rub to create some laughs, and enjoyed nothing more than riding his bikes, spending time with his dogs, four wheeling up north with family and friends and spending time with his grandkids and watching them at their activities.
Preceeded in death by his parents, brother Jerry, step-son Tronn Paulson, mother-in-law Lucille Ordorff and father-in-law Ralph Ordorff as well as brothers-in-law Kevin and Dwayne Ordorff.
Survived by his wife Renee, children Robert (Naomi) Burchett, Cari (Inge) Knutsen, Kristeen (Ricky) Young, Tash (Jesse) Laudenbach, Amanda (Nick) Kolasa, Sarah (Scott) Brady, Tom (Jen) LaPlant and Tony (Lisa) LaPlant as well as grandchildren Jack, Luke, Elke, Amalie, Anna, Laney, Jadde, Logan, Ava, Isabella, Justin, TJ, Jackie, Tristan, Carly; his sister Sally Nyholm as well as brother and sister in-laws Richie (Linda) Ordorff, Dode (Cindy) Ordorff, Gayle Ordorff, Linda Ordorff, Caroline Burchett, Sharon Beuchamp, Shelley Fadden and Rita Harris.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at the Maple Lake Legion from 1-4 pm.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com