March 27, 2024
Thomas A. "Buzz" Burich, 80, of Hutchinson passed away March 27 at his home. Mass of Christian burial was Saturday at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson, with interment in the church cemetery. Clergy officiating was the Rev. Paul Wolf. Pianist was Bonnie Westmiller. Song leader was Lucy Newcomb. Music selections were "River of Glory," "The Lord Is My Light And My Salvation," "I Am The Bread Of Life," "Fly Like A Bird," "Song Of Farewell" and "Lead Me Lord." Gift bearers were Megan Burich and Brady Knorr. Readers were Haley Knorr and Christopher Burich. Honorary casket bearers were Tim Ulrich, Michael Cannon, Connie Lambert, Anthony Hanson and Scott Becker. Casket bearers were James Sheedy, Hayden Knorr, Christopher Burich and Brady Knorr.
Buzz was born Nov. 20, 1943, in Hutchinson, the son of Irvin and Mary (Slanga) Burich. He began his education at St. Anastasia Catholic School and graduated in 1961 from Hutchinson High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965 from the College of St. Thomas.
On Nov. 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 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, and 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 was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Mary Burich; and his sister, Sandy Sheedy.
Arrangements were by Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guest book available at www.hantge.com
