Aldean Palmer Burtson, 71, passed away at his home in Brooklyn Center, MN on March 15, 2013 of natural causes. He was born on May 7, 1941 in Ada, Minnesota to a Norwegian immigrant, Abraham "Abe" and a McHenry, ND girl, Geneva (Friet) Burtson. The Burtson family lived in Twin Valley, MN and attended the Trinity Lutheran Church in Twin Valley, MN where Aldean was also confirmed.

Aldean enjoyed many cousins, aunts and uncles from his both sides of his family but specifically his dad's. The Forsell cousins remember wonderful times spent with Aldean at his Aunt Johanna "Jennie" (Burtson) Forsell's family farm in Gary, MN. Memories include playing with cousins on the farms, riding horses and just having "good fun". His family photos of the "Forsell's", "Christensen's", "Pederson's", and "Burtson's" are endless, which was rare for that generation, but greatly appreciated by ours.

Aldean retired as a Superintendent from Arkay Construction of Minneapolis. He supervised the construction of many buildings in the Twin Cities area and was involved in such projects as the IDS Building, MSP Airport, 911 Building, Fish & Wildlife Building, schools, hospitals, prisons and other State and Federal Building Construction.

In 1963 he married Theresa Jo "Terry" Charboneau and in 1964 their son, Richard was born. The couple later divorced. Their son, Richard passed in 1983.

Aldean's vegetable gardens were legendary. Throughout the years he canned everything from pickles to string beans "with a kick". It was with great pride he would bring in his newest adventures in wine making to share and we all loved it when he came in the door with a twinkle in his eye and a bag full of "something" to try. We all loved when he would come with something he had made.

Aldean had quite a colorful past and enjoyed sharing the stories of some of his shenanigans. With the passing of years and learning from his mistakes, Aldean came away with a compassion for others who might have taken a wrong turn. He stood by ready to help them get on their feet again. He was a very kind and gentle man who continued to give of himself in any way possible.

Aldean had a lot of friends, loved to gather with people, and was always there to help anyone in need. He enjoyed people of all ages and especially loved to join them in any "game of chance", card playing of all types, cribbage, pull-tabs and slots.

Aldean and his partner of 20+ years, Jude Tiber had many good years together at his lake place at Lake Alexander, MN and many fun times with all their friends there. The most anticipated event was the "Cousin Reunion" every August. It wasn't necessary to be a "direct cousin" to him – you could be a "cousin of a cousin" or a "cousin of a friend", everyone was welcome. He just enjoyed people. Aldean's family reunions gave the younger generation of our family a taste of what we older cousins all had growing up together with a "little Aldean twist". He especially loved those evenings and building fires around his fire pit with the kids to share stories and roast marshmallows.

Aldean loved all of his golden retrievers he and Judy had throughout the years. They were his family and his latest dog, Buddy, loved him dearly.

Aldean is survived by a special friend, Jude Tiber along with many cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mildred Burtson and his son Richard Dean Burtson.

Aldean was not afraid to share his faith in God. He commented from time to time how his faith had gotten him through some rough times in his life. Aldean wanted to be remembered with a smile, not with tears. We all have our Aldean stories and when we finish telling them and laughing you can almost see him leaning back in a chair with a toothpick in his hand, a twinkle in his eye and a smirk of a smile. One thing for sure, we all are better for having Aldean in our lives.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 23 at 10:00am in the Anderson Funeral Home, Twin Valley, MN. Visitation was one hour before services on Saturday. Officiating was Pastor Karie Kirschbaum with special music provided by Brock Robertson. Pallbearers were Ron Christensen, Bradley Pederson, Michael Pederson, Troy Wiehoff, Don Wiehoff and Randy Van Boxal. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Christensen, Curt Robertson, Dennis Forsell, Derrick Forsell, Matt Perry, LeRoy Whitson, Reggie Pederson and Mike Simonet.

Interment was in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley.