George M. Bucklin, 89, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, died on Thursday, May 23, 2019, surrounded by family at The Woodlands at St. John’s Lutheran Community in Albert Lea.

George Merritt Bucklin was born July 16, 1932, in Austin, Minnesota, the son of George Oscar and Grace Evelyn (Gill) Bucklin. He grew up in Austin, attending Austin High School. On Feb. 14, 1954, George was united in marriage to Helen Meister in Austin. Together they had five children. George worked as a bricklayer and stonemason. In 1973, the family moved to Albert Lea to own and run the Donut Kettle. George was a member of Golden Glove Boxing and he enjoyed bowling, fishing, golf, and playing cards.

George is survived by his son, George K. Bucklin of Bangkok, Thailand; son, David T. Bucklin and wife, Joyce, of Mountain Lake, Minnesota, and their children, Anna and husband Ryan Gerber and their children, Cameron, Nolan, and Reese, David, Dima and wife, Rachel, and Nadya; daughter, Jeanne E. O’Neal and husband, Scott, of Houston, Texas, and their children, Ryan and wife, Tiffany, and their children, Cash and Beau, Jordan and wife, Caitlin; daughter, Jayne E. Iverson and husband, Chad, of Hayward, Minnesota, and their children, Emma and Noah; granddaughter, Laurel Bucklin Robinson and husband, Jon, of Portland, Oregon, and their children, Owen, Carter and Lilly; and sister, Ruth Bucklin White and husband, Gordy. George was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; parents, George and Grace; son, Robin; brother, Frank; and daughter-in-law, Uan.

Memorial services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home with Pastor John Holt officiating. Friends may greet the family for beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.