Aileen Buck
Aileen Burke Buck, age 93 of Fargo, North Dakota, died on July 21, 2015 at her residence at Edgewood Vista, in Fargo
Aileen Burke was born in Langdon, ND on Sept 14, 1921 to Richard T. Burke and Maud (O’Brien) Burke. She was the youngest of eight children. She graduated from St. Alphonsus high school, Langdon, in 1939, then from The College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1943. Aileen moved to Fargo where she worked at NDAC (later NDSU) in the Department of Independent Study. She met William Buck of Fargo, whom she married in Langdon in 1946. They had seven children, and were married 58 years, until his death in 2004
Aileen and Bill lived on North Third Street in Fargo for over fifty years. They were active members of Holy Spirit Catholic Church from its founding in the early 1953. Aileen was a devout Catholic; she was aware that her birthday was the “Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross” and she was especially devoted to the significance of Christ’s sacrifice
Aileen’s degree from St. Catherine’s was in Library Science and beginning in 1970, she returned to work at NDSU as a reference librarian for sixteen years, retiring in 1986. She then continued to work part time after her retirement
She was preceded in death by her seven siblings (the Langdon Burke family), and her husband Bill
Her survivors include seven children and seven grandchildren: Michael (Susan Swensen) of Tok, Alaska; Brenda (Gary) Haas, of St. John, ND, Gerald of Bismarck, ND and Donald (Amy) of Bottineau, ND; James (Deborah Nuccio) and Alexander of Golden, Co; Ann Buck and John and Colleen of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Brian of Poulsbo, WA; Fran (David) Neisius, and Matthew and Christopher of Issaquah, WA; and Marie Buck (Jim Bravado) of Chaska, MN.
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Aileen was a dear lady so full of class and charm. Her genuine smile. While her passing is a great loss, it is of great comfort to know that she and Bill are again together strolling what we know are very beautiful gardens in the heavens.
I worked with Aileen for a number of years at the NDSU Library. She was a wonderful professional and an excellent example to us all, She ran a “tight ship” and always provided the right advice at the right time. It was a joy to discover that she taught at the Division of Independent Study in Fargo. I also taught there and did not know we shared that experience.
I also knew Bill as a professional librarian and delighted in their joy of each other and their marriage. What a delight they were to be around.
Aileen – you will be missed and I wish you Godspeed on your journey.
Wish you were here still.
Aunt Aileen was wonderful to me and my family. I have so many fond memories of Aileen. She came to my wedding and helped me climb into my dress; she and Bill hosted my mom (her sister) and me in Fargo in 2001 (boy, did those Burke girls talk alike). On a sad note, she and Marie came to my mom’s funeral in Chicago, which meant so much to my brothers and me. I also remember the fabulous birthday parties she threw for her 85th and 90th birthdays. What a gift it was to see her and connect with the cousins. Last year, my brother Kevin and I went to Fargo to visit her. She was her usual kind, generous, and upbeat self. Kevin recently rejoined the Peace Corps and is now in South Africa without internet or a phone but I know he will be very sad to hear this news. On behalf of the Carney cousins, I send condolences to the Bucks. The world is a poorer place without Aunt Aileen. Our love to you, Mary Anne, Kevin, and John
What wonderful neighbors we had on Third Street North. Aileen and Bill were dear friends who were caring, thoughtful and fun friends and special people who always brightened a day. I had the opportunity to visit Aileen a few years back at Edgewood and was happy to find her as I remembered her when I lived next door — upbeat, quick and engaged in conversation, smiling, and a delight to be in her company. She was a gem.
Stan Elofson
I enjoyed many meals and events including afternoon coffee with Aileen while she was at Edgewood Vista. My Grandma Gladys Bring and myself so enjoyed her smile and stories. She was a wonderful lady who offered alot to all around her and she will be missed. I’m sorry that I will be out of the area for her services but I will be giving a donation to Hospice of the Red River Valley as a memorial to her.
In 2002-2004 as a college student, I had the privilege to help Bill and Aileen in their home and in Bill’s garden. Those two were so much fun to work for and be friends with! For years, I also cared for a neighbor of theirs (Theresa Anderson) on 3rd street and Bill and Aileen contributed to the charm and beauty of the neighborhood. I always enjoyed learning new things visiting them in their classy home. Even after I moved, Aileen would write to me to see how I was doing. I will continue to think of this smart and kind lady fondly!
With Regards to a wonderful lady,
Sara Lewis, Sioux Falls, SD
Aileen, Bill and their children were great neighbors on third street. It was a treat to watch the flowers grow. Aileen was always friendly to everyone in the neighborhood. So sorry to hear of her passing. My thoughts and prayers to all the Buck kids.
I became acquainted with Aileen as we both worked at the NDSU library. Aileen was a professional and I was a part-time Tri-College library loan flunky. She was tremendously helpful to me as the reference librarian and was always full of fun and good nature. I especially enjoyed visiting her home where hubby Bill would proudly escort me through their backyard filled with beautiful flowers and shrubs.
Blessings to you, Aileen’s family. She always spoke so lovingly of you all. I especially wish to greet Marie and send her a hug from Barb as well.
Rest in peace Aileen.
To all the family of Aileen: how I enjoyed the times I spent with Aileen (and with Bill, too)….I had many a beautiful vase full of Buck flowers from 3rd Street over the years….and learned a lot walking through the garden with its carefully labeled plants! When Aileen was at NDSU, she was a faithful presenter in classes I taught, showing students how interesting (and how much fun!) a library can be! And later still, at Trollwood Village and at Edgewood Vista, good visits…a sip of wine here & there….and her wonderful 80th birthday party at the Alumni Center at NDSU. I loved the joy Aileen shared with me…..and will miss her. May she rest in peace…..I offer my sympathy and care to all you, her family.
Marie and Family,
Wishing you my deepest sympathy and condolences on the passing of your beloved Mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I was visiting Aunt Eileen and Uncle Bill during the summer of 1949; I was 10. My dad put my 2 older sisters, Maureen and Margaret Alice and I on a greyhound bus from Langdon ND. My younger siblings Kathleen, Richard, John and Michael were temporarily relocated to the Bear hotel in Langdon while my mom prepared to give birth to her 8th child, Stephen. My dad was frantically adding an addition to our home to accomodate the expanding family.
While in Fargo I contracted polio. Aileen and Bill figured out what was making me sick and got me to St. Luke’s hospital. Hundreds of children were in the ward. Iron lungs lined the hallway. Many of the children with me that summer died, including the son of Fargo Forum’s editor. My sisters headed back to Langdon for the start of school. I was too sick and remained behind. Bill visited every day and Aileen every other day. They nursed me back to health.
Bill stood up at my wedding in 1960. He did not hesitate to say yes in spite of the fact he was many years older. While I have not seen Aileen for many years, I remain greatful for her love and support. I am driving through Fargo enroute to Landon with my oldest daughter and 2 grandchildren this week. I had hoped to stop for a quick visit; I am saddened by her death.
Bob Bear
7209 Granby Dr.
Hudson OH 44236
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