Service Information
Thomas A. “Buzz” Burich, age 80, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at his home in Hutchinson.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 6, 2024, 11:00 A.M., at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson, with private family interment later in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 5, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 P.M., at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Everyone is invited to the Crow River Golf Club, Hutchinson, following the funeral service for a luncheon.
Memorials preferred to the Lewy Body Dementia Association https://www.lbda.org/donate/ or the Hutchinson Center for the Arts https://www.hutchinsonarts.org/support
Obituary
Thomas “Buzz” Burich was born on November 20, 1943 in Hutchinson, Minnesota. He was the son of Irvin and Mary (Slanga) Burich. He began his education at St. Anastasia Catholic School and graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1961. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965 from the College of St. Thomas.
On November 8, 1969, Buzz was united in marriage to Judy Verschoor at Holy Family Church in Mitchell, South Dakota. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Todd and Heather. They lived in Minneapolis and Hutchinson. Buzz enjoyed time at the lake, traveling, shopping, cooking, trying new restaurants, and Christmas. His greatest joy was spending time with family, especially his children and grandchildren.
Buzz started his banking career in 1965 as a teller at Citizens Bank in Hutchinson. In 1966, he joined the First National Bank of Minneapolis. He served in various positions including Operations Officer, Credit Officer, and Assistant Vice President. At the time he left First National, he was the Vice President and Division Head of the Commercial Banking Group.
In 1982, Buzz returned to Hutchinson to work at Citizens Bank as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors. He was elected as President and Chief Administrative Officer in 1985 and served in those roles until 2005. He was the fourth President of Citizens Bank, following his father, Irvin J. Burich.
From 2002-2022, Buzz served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Citizens Bank.
He was honored by the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism as 1990’s “Boss of the Year”, and 2001’s “Business Person of the Year.” In 2014, he was honored as Mr. Hutchinson. Buzz was inducted into the Minnesota Bankers Association Pioneer Club in 2015, recognizing his 50 years in the banking industry.
Buzz’s community involvement over the years included his membership at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, where he served on the Parish and Finance committees, the Hutchinson Community Development Corporation, Central Prairie Railroad Association, Hutchinson Downtown Association, Dollars for Scholars, Hutchinson Ambassadors, the Hutchinson Center for the Arts, and the Public Arts Commission. He was a member of Pheasants Forever, Gopher Campfire, McLeod County Historical Society, Twin Point Gun Club, Crow River Country Club and American Legion.
Buzz supported numerous community events, organizations and projects through the Bank, Burich Family Foundations and individually. His legacy of community support will continue with the establishment of the Buzz Burich Family Foundation.
Buzz is survived by his children, Todd (Laurie Meehan) Burich of New York, New York, Heather (Brian) Knorr of Hutchinson; sister Nanci Thomas of Minneapolis and brother-in-law James Sheedy of Chanhassen; grandchildren, Hayden Knorr, Haley Knorr, Brady Knorr, Christopher Burich and Megan Burich; and beloved nieces, nephew, other relatives, and friends.
Buzz is preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Mary Burich and his sister, Sandy Sheedy.
Oather Martin says
Sorry for your loss, Buzz did so much for his Community and The DAV.
Joandoering says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I only helped to take care of him when n the short shifts but it was a pleasure to help with Buzz. Gods Blessing to you all
Michael Liepke says
So sorry to hear of Buzz’s passing. He was a fine man. We always enjoyed talking with him . He had a great sense of humor. Did a lot for the community of Hutchinson. He will be truly missed.
Bonnie Karl says
Heather, Todd and families,
Sending our heartfelt condolences to you all. I thoroughly enjoyed working for your dad. He was always fun to visit with whenever we would run into each other. He cared so much for his Hutchinson Community and was so very proud of his children and grandchildren. We are currently in Florida so unable to attend his wake or funeral, but our thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love and hugs! Bonnie and Rick Karl
Christian Dobratz says
Todd, Heather and Families,
I am so sorry to hear of Buzz’s passing. He was so involved and giving to the Hutchinson Community. Always greeted you with a smile and had time to ask how you were doing, far before how things were going for him. I have many fond memories of your dad from high school days and taking us to Market Barbecue and Gopher basketball games. May the find memories you have of your day hold and sustain you in difficult days ahead. My condolences and sympathies for you all.
WALT AND LYNNE CLAY says
Burich Family,
Lynne and I are sad for your lost but we know Buzz is in a much better place now. He was a very good guy and always willing to help in anyway. Cheers to his life.
With our love and prayers,
Walt and Lynne Clay, Montecito, CA
Karen Greve says
Todd, Heather and families
We pray for courage, hope and peace as you go on without your dad and grandpa. He was a great guy who cared so much for the community of Hutchinson.
Wesley, Karen and Corey Greve
Jack BLumenthal says
I was fortunate to know Buzz and count him as a good friend for the past twenty years, spending time with him in Hutchinson, Minneapolis, and our home in Denver. He was always fun and sharp, and believed in doing the right thing always. I am proud to have been his friend. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.
Jack BLumenthal, Denver, Colorado
Charles Douglas Borrell says
I am a person who knows Buzz from about 15 years ago. I am in the Steeple in Rosemount MN I lived in Hutchinson for many years.
I always will be a Hutch person. I lived at 565 Glen St in Hutch. I am now in my 70th aging, Still going great.