Reid Buer
Reid Buer passed away Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, at Prairie Winds Assisted Living in Madison, Minn., surrounded by his family. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, Aug. 28, from 2-4 p.m. at the Chapel at Prairie Winds Assisted Living.
Reid Carlson Buer was born to Eldred and Mae (Carlson) Buer on May 21, 1939, in Dawson, Minn. Reid was the third child of Eldred and Mae. He was baptized at Presbyterian Church of Canby, Minn., and later confirmed, along with his daughter, Shelly, at Providence Valley Lutheran Church in Dawson. Reid grew up on a farm in rural Canby and graduated from Madison High School in 1957. Reid was drafted into the United States Army in 1961 and served until 1963 when he was honorably discharged. Upon returning to the farm, Reid joined his father in farming and operating the farm business of selling certified and registered seed from their cleaning mill. Along with the seed business on the farm, Eldred also had two large orchards consisting of apples, plums, apricots, pears, cherries, mulberries and a lemon tree in his greenhouse. Following Eldred’s death, Reid took over the seed business, re-branding it Buer’s Seeds while also continuing on with the maintenance of the orchards. Reid was an avid farmer and seed distributor throughout the area, accomplishing many state awards between Minnesota and South Dakota.
Reid married Jacqueline (Jeglum) Buer on Nov. 21, 1965. They made their home on the original farm site alongside his parents in rural Canby. Reid grew registered, certified and foundation seeds for the University of Minnesota and University of South Dakota. The seed cleaning mill was also approved for milling in both states. Reid proceeded with his seed mill business along with producing multiple livestock. Reid and Jackie had two daughters, Shelly and Karla. Reid closed the seed cleaning plant down in 2005 but continued to sell seed for a couple years longer. They moved off the farm to Madison in the late summer of 2005. Reid never stopped farming his land and was extremely invested in the ongoing operation of the family farm until his passing. He was often seen driving around the backroads “overseeing and supervising” his grandsons and daughters progress of the day. Especially during the planting and harvest season in his “mobile office” aka, his pickup.
Reid was involved with FFA, State of Minnesota Crop Association and the South Dakota Crop Association. Reid enjoyed visiting with his cleaning and seed business clients and farmers around the area. That was a highlight of his along with employees that worked with him throughout many years. Reid had a passion for airplanes and received his pilot license in 1977. For a time, he owned a Cessna and would fly to local Fly-In Breakfasts in the area with his family. Reid enjoyed giving plane rides at both Madison and Canby Airports Fly-in Breakfasts and attending their airshows. Reid also enjoyed collecting old cars and restoring them. He loved history, collecting John Deere tractors and toy John Deere collectibles and reading about railroads. “Reid especially loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them.”
Reid is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jackie; daughters, Shelly (Gordon) Woltjer of Kandiyohi and Karla Bormann of Madison; six grandchildren: Brandon Fairchild, Brittany (Adam) Schow, Brianna (Justin Chouanard) Woltjer, Bennet (Julie) Woltjer, Scott (Ashley) Bormann and Trisha (Cody) Olson; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary (Kenneth) Stamp and Sandra (Sarge) Duis; and brother, Curtis (Irma) Buer.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Todd (sister-in-law, Arlys) Buer.
Arrangements are with the Zahrbock Funeral Home in Madison. For online guestbook, please visit www.zahrbockfuneralhomes.com