Brian Patrick Buria of Bigfork, formerly of Mountain Iron suddenly passed away on March 13, 2024 at his home.
Brian was born on January 25, 1962, to Steve “Muffy” and Sandra (Kottke) Buria in Virginia, MN. After graduating from Mountain Iron High School, Class of 1980, he attended Mesabi Community College and Hibbing Community College, receiving a degree in Law Enforcement. He went to work for Stillwater Correctional Facility and then spent the next 20 + years working for the DNR as a Conservation Officer living in Hallock, then Bigfork. He volunteered with the BigFork Fire Department and other agencies around the Big Fork and Grand Rapids areas.
He spent his early life trapping, weight lifting, and making sure Rufus (family dog) got a great swim at Mott Pit. Rufus probably met him at the pearly gates sitting along with his ’70 Dodge Super Bee.
Survivors include his mother, Sandy, brother Paul (Julie) Buria, and sister Debbie (Steven) Falkowski; nieces: Stephanie (Joshua) Irwin and Melanie (Travis) Koenen; nephew Stephen (Alexis) Buria; two grandnieces: Olivia Irwin and Willow Koenen; three grandnephews: Ilo Irwin, Micah Buria, and Isaac Buria; aunts: Karen (Nickie) Palo, Nina Buria, Beverly (Keith) Colcleugh, and Sharon Buria; uncles: James (Roxanne) Kottke, Ken (Carol) Kottke, Steve (Sharon) Kottke, and Michael “Mickey” Buria; numerous cousins, extended Bigfork family, and great friends Rick Moore, Ronald Root, and Stuart Bensen.
Brian was preceded in death by his father, Steve, grandparents Byron “Bud” and Grace (Gillaspey) Kottke, and Michael and Mary (Spehar) Buria; uncles Jack Palo, James Buria and David Buria; aunt Juanita Buria; and childhood friend John Nikolanci.
Per Brian’s request a private family service will occur at a later date.
Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please visit: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .