Burton Allen Towne, 80, of Austin, Minnesota, died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016.

Burt was born Aug. 15, 1936, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, to Al and Loretta (Sherwood) Towne. He was the first of three children. Burt graduated from Albert Lea High School and from there went into the United States Air Force and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, as a radar maintenance specialist until 1958. When he returned to Minnesota, he attended Austin Community College and met his loving wife, Nancy. They were married on Jan. 2, 1960, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin. To this union four children were born: Barb, Lynne, Todd and Lori.

Burt was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He leaves behind countless special memories for each of us whose lives he touched. Burt was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, trap shoot, fish and golf.  He shared many good memories with his friends in these activities. We know you will be in Heaven carving the family turkey. We all love you.

Burt was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in October 2014 and fought until the end. He had chosen to donate his body to the Mayo Clinic for research in hope to help others in the future.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Nancy; children, Barb (Tom) Taylor, Lynne Church, Todd (JaNell) Towne and Lori (Mark) Reed; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Linda (George) Mahlum, Carmin Blankenship.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Al and Loretta Towne.

A Celebration of Life for Burt will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 26, 2016, at the Hormel Historic Home in Austin (208 Fourth Ave. NW).

Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.