Donald Burr

Nov 15, 1925 -

Feb 4, 2020

Donald A. Burr, 94, died on Feb. 4, 2020, in Anchorage, Alaska.

He was born in 1925, in Gurley, Neb., to George and Gladys (Dunkin), second in a family of six children. He graduated early from high school in Sidney, Neb. He graduated from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. He proudly served in the U.S. Army Air Corp, 1943-46, where he trained to fly the P-51 Mustang. Later, graduating from Creighton University School of Law. He was recalled to active duty with the U.S. Air Force in 1951, and was assigned to the 83rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 84th Group during the Korean Conflict.

Don married Joy de Lee Peters in 1951. By 1953, he was living in the Territory of Alaska, where he practiced law. During 1955, Don served as a U.S. Assistant Attorney in Alaska. He was a founding member of the law firm Burr, Pease, and Kurtz, where he worked for more than 30 years. He served as Alaska Attorney General during 1966-67, under Governor Walter J. Hickel.

After retirement, Don and Joy spent winter months in Kihei, Maui, Hawaii, and enjoyed motorhoming around the Lower 48. Together they visited many countries around the world.

He was a loving husband and father. He enjoyed his grandchildren.

He was a great letter writer and storyteller. Don loved flying as a private pilot. He homesteaded and built a fly-in cabin in the 1950s, where he spent many happy days with his family. He loved football - especially the Nebraska Cornhuskers - grilling steak, hunting and fishing. Don was a faithful member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Joy, of more than 60 years.

He leaves four children and their spouses/partners, Linda (Mick Collins) of Utah, Susie (John Williams) of Alaska, Ron (Anne) of Alaska, and Liz (Bob Hixon) of Washington; 12 grandchildren, Erica (John), Chris, Shawn (Kumbi), Megan (Ian), Anna, Allie, Charles, Ena, Mary, Jeremy, Aaron (Jennifer) and Terah; and five great-grandchildren, Astrid, Ezra, Iris, Audrey and Finnley.

Don also is survived by siblings: Dr. Bill Burr of California, Richard (Birdie) of Nebraska, Joan (John) Hobson of Colorado, and Joyce Lyon of Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation to Catholic Charities, American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick's Parish on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, at 11 a.m. A Rosary will be held at 10 a.m., with a private burial later.