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

Burt was born Aug. 15, 1936, in Albert Lea 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. The family said, “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 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, Lori (Mark) Reed; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two sisters Linda (George) Mahlum and Carmin Blankenship.

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

A celebration of life for Burt will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday at the Hormel Historic Home, 208 Fourth Ave. NW in Austin.

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