Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
Brock Dwane Bucklin, 62, from Minneapolis, MN and Orlando, FL, passed away unexpectedly from a brief illness on Monday, January 13th while vacationing with friends in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Brock had a personality that many described as “larger than life.” He was a unifier, and spent his life connecting with so many people throughout the world. He spread joy and happiness wherever he went. If you knew Brock, you had a friend for life. Brock placed family above all else. He was a devoted son to his parents, whom he loved dearly. He was a great brother to Chanda and Brett. He was a loving, fun and proud uncle to Jadyn and Chase. Brock was intentional in keeping in touch with his large extended family, as well as his many friends.
Brock was born to Marjorie and Dwane Bucklin on September 25th, 1962, at Renville County hospital in Olivia, MN. He grew up in Buffalo Lake, MN, where he attended Buffalo Lake High School and graduated in 1981. Brock was involved in many activities throughout high school. He played the drums in the band, played basketball, ran track, and was a statistician for the girl’s basketball and volleyball teams. He was a huge champion of all Laker activities and was well-known throughout the community. He worked at the Buffalo Lake Nursing Home where he enjoyed engaging with the elderly. Brock could talk to anyone and make them feel at ease.
After graduation, Brock attended Mankato State University. He lived in Mankato for several years while working in the retail business. He worked at Lancers, a MN based clothing store, and he also opened a variety of Benetton Stores. He met his lifelong friend Carol Hayes, while in Mankato.
Brock moved to Bloomington, MN, and he worked as an EMT and dispatcher in Bloomington, and he also worked part time at Daytons in Rosedale for years.
Brock joined Northwest Airlines, which later merged with Delta Airlines in 1989. He was a beloved Delta Employee and had a long list of accomplishments during his tenure. He would accept special assignments in addition to flying, such as interviewing and hiring new flight attendants. In 1997, Brock joined the Charter Team at Northwest and continued flying charters with Delta for various professional sports teams including the Wild, Lynx, and Timberwolves. Brock was a member of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet that helped to fly military troops in and out of hot spots during the Desert Storm and Iraq Conflicts. Brock became a Purser (leading international crews) in 2001 and continued to enjoy flying international routes. Brock loved his job and his fellow co-workers and spread joy and laughter wherever he went.
Later, Brock bought a place in Orlando, Florida, where his sister lived. He and his parents would spend the months of November through early May. While in Orlando, Brock worked seasonally at Walt Disney World, from 1998-2020, where he would do various jobs including being some of Disney’s favorite characters, Goofy and The Beast. He also would help his good friend, John and his team, with his events such as the Miss America Outstanding Teen Pageant in Orlando and the Daytona 500 pre-show. Brock had a special group of friends in Orlando, who were like a second family to him.
Brock loved to travel in his free time and traveled with his family around the globe. He enjoyed his annual trips to Hawaii and New York City. He also enjoyed cruising and set sail for many ports of call with his parents and friends. Brock also enjoyed a good restaurant and attending concerts and plays with friends. He loved the MN State Fair, as well as all the Disney theme parks, Universal Studio parks, and SeaWorld in Orlando. He loved spending time with his family and friends.
Brock is survived by his father, Dwane Bucklin, his sister, Chanda Williams, brother-in-law, Brett, niece, Jadyn, and nephew, Chase and many special friends including Gail Diercks along with lifelong friends Kim Schwarze Bergman, Tamie Meehan Morken, Dawn Waller Lueck, Brad Mueller, and Dale Walter. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and his Delta family. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, mother (Marjorie), a special cousin (Josh Abbell), and numerous other relatives.
The family would like to thank all of the wonderful people at Delta Airlines, who were so helpful in assisting with bringing Brock back to the United States. They are forever grateful for the immense support and care during this difficult time.
People can honor Brock by spreading joy and laughter, being kind, talking to a stranger, traveling and seeking adventure, but most of all staying in touch with family and friends by making time for one another and staying connected. These were Brock’s gifts and his legacy. Live your life to the fullest, and you will truly honor him.
Memorials can be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or other organizations of your choice that help others and would honor Brock and support his legacy.
A Celebration of Brock’s life will be held on Friday, March 7th at the Intercontinental Hotel in Bloomington. MN overlooking the Delta Runway. More details to follow. There will also be a Celebration of Life for Brock in Orlando, FL and the details will be shared once they are available.
Fly High, Brock. You will be greatly missed, but your spirit will live on forever in all those you touched.
A Celebration of Life for Brock will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 2:30 PM at the InterContinental Minneapolis – St. Paul Airport, 5005 Glumack Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55450. Click on the link for additional information: https://fb.me/28KerJgevUPv68N
Lori Rothmund says
Brock was a wonderful Friend and he will be missed!!❤️
Louise says
We are so sorry to hear of Brock’s passing he really was a true spirit . He will be missed by many but especially dad give dad. A big hug from us. Steve and Louise nelson
Sara ruiz says
Always loved talking with Brock . He was a good friend and his Spirit will always be flying high.. My prayers are with all of Brock’s family. Love from his friend Sara❤️✝️
Gordy and Sarah says
We’re truly going to miss him at family events! Brock was a wonderful cousin. So many memories- especially his tour of Disneyworld!
Leslie Bryant says
Brock was such a special special person! What a joy to be around. I enjoyed working many flights with him, especially charter flights for Northwest and Delta Airlines. He always put a smile on my face and made me laugh. I will never forget the special memories I had with him.
Peg Slater says
Brock had a spirit full of joy and kindness. He was a good guy with a big heart. Rest in peace Brock–you brought so much goodness and positivity to this world.
Beth Burgstahler says
I always remember Brock’s sense of humor and laughter. He was a wonderful human being.
Maru Caicoya says
Brock was an amazing guy and a real friend. He always had a smile on his face, and was always there for you! You will be missed my sweet friend!
Lisa Manchester says
Flying with Brock was a joy, I always looked forward to seeing him… Gone but not forgotten… Rest easy 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🫶🏼♥️
Gail diercks says
My dearest friend. Always there for me. The big brother I never had . I treasure our friendship . I was lucky to have you. In my life forever.Be at peace.
Susan Eckley says
Brock did light up a room where ever he was!
He was friends to so many near and far. Admired his love and dedication to his family and dear friend Gail. He had a gift for sharing many close forever friendships.
He will be missed.
We also can be at peace knowing he is busy up there sharing fun and laughter and taking care of those we have lost.
Prayers for his family and friends.
💔
Susan Eckley
Linda Clawson says
Being around Brock was like being in the sunshine every day. You couldn’t be around him without experiencing a real belly laugh. He had a way of making everyone around him feel special. Brock was genuinely a blessing from God, a blessing to each of us privileged to have had our lives touched by his.
John Best says
Brock. I thank you for your smile. I thank you for such great memories. I thank you for all of the good times that we shared. I thank you for your kindness, but most of all, I thank you for your friendship. You will be missed. Thank you for being a part of our lives. Fly high!
Karin Burger says
Brock was an amazing human. While I hadn’t seen him in a couole years, I never felt like I hadn’t seen him because I always saw his photos on social media. If I did encounter him in person it was an immense day brightener. He will be greatly missed.
Karen says
I worked with Brock for many years in the hiring capacity for flight attendants. He was cheerful, kind, compassionate and a joy to be around. I ran into him in Asia several months ago and he had not changed. Still the warm, kind, cheerful soul. Rest in Peace, my friend! Thanks for the memories! You will be missed.♡♡♡
Lynne Naso says
Dearest niece and nephew, Chanda and Brett, Jadyn and Chase, the shock of losing the amazing Brock, will be resounding for a very long time. He left an imprint on my soul, always giving us such joy at every family gathering. I wish I could’ve spent more time with him, but I will Remember him always!!!!
I’m trying to share my emotions and honor Brock on Facebook, but this link isn’t working. I’ll keep trying. And I’ll keep remembering. And I’ll keep my thoughts and love out there for you, who lived with him and shared with him, all of your lives!
Kelly Oconnell says
Thanks for the memories
Rest in Peace my friend
You will be missed
Todd Ciotuszynski says
Meeting Brock in the late 1990s changed my life. I worked with him at Dinsey and always asked him why he only worked a few days a month at Disney. He told me his other life was working as a flight attendant with Northwest Airlines. He said that they were hiring and I should apply. I did and 23 years later here I am. I am where I am today because of Brock! We kept in touch over the years. I will miss you Brock! Thank you for everything you did for me! Love you!!!!
Darla Linnenkamp says
Brock was a very friendly and kind person. Worked with him at 3M. He was also in the same class as my daughter Delene Schnichels. The world lost a kind soul. Prayers to the family
Pamela Davis says
The Bucklin family llived across the street from my grandparents (Burgstahlers) My condolences to all of his family.
Deborah Thirkelson says
Brock was such a shining light! I flew with at Northwest and Delta. I had his parents on a few flights some with and some without Brick.
I’m in shock your life ended so quickly. Rest in peace. Prayers for your family during this difficult time. I hope you and Bob Vail ate hanging out in heaven!
You will be missed
Maritza Reyes-Albert says
One of the kindest souls I have ever met. Always positive and uplifting. Truly a pleasure to work with and passengers adored him. Always service with a smile and a kind word. He was an asset to the airlines and a good human being. He’s flying high right into Heaven but we will all miss his charming personality and kindness.
susan elizabeth says
Larger than life Brock! I only flew and met him one time on one trip to munich. He and I hit it off immediately We decided to do a tour without taking a nap. It was a fun and funny day , one I will always remember. Condolences to his family and friends
Russ Ginger says
Our dear friend, we all love you and miss you. May you rest in peace and watch over us with your smile laugh and kindness.
Jude Fisher says
Brock was a stellar flight attendant and Purser. I remember when ever I saw his name on the crew list I would smile as I knew it would be a good trip Not only was he the ultimate professional but he was so much fun and always kept us laughing.
RIP Brock and keep a heavenly watch over all of us. You will be greatly missed.
Sending condolences and prayers to Brock’s entire family and hope that you can find some comfort in good memories and knowing how many people loved Brock
Jim Ryan says
Condolences to the family! Brock was a special person and so full of positivity. Whenever you ran into Brock he was a breath of fresh air. Brock loved his aviation career and was so good at it. May the Lord bless his soul as I know Brock is flying with the Angels and his Mom! Sure gonna miss you friend. Peace be with you!
Jim Ryan 🙏🏻
Vickie Fraser says
I will miss this kind of, funny man so much. He would always come through for a meal together and a nice chat, even with his busy life. I loved flying with him💕
Rest in peace.
Thoughts and prayers to his family who he adored.
Teresa Olson says
Brock you were such a great cousin. You are going to be missed very much. My love to Uncle Dwane, Chanda, Brett, Jadyn and Chase.
Love Teresa & Gary
Sheila Moschetti says
Brock and I flew together several times to Asia. He was the funny, sweet, and always so kind. His humor and zest for life was endless and contagious! He will be missed. My prayers go out to his grieving family.
Giovanna Davis says
BROCK WAS A “BEAUTIFUL HUMAN BEING”.
I E JOYED KNOWING AND FLYING WITH HIM.
HE LIT UP THE WORLD, WHEREVER
HE WAS.
💫 SHINE ON 💫
Alison Best says
My prayers and condolences to Brock’s family and loved ones. Brock, I enjoyed our chats when traveling and I’ll miss your smile that lit up the room. Fly high.
Ralph Christopher Cutrone says
Brock was one of the first people who I met in Orlando over 20 Years ago. We had a lot of great times working together and celebrating birthdays and milestones. You will be deeply missed. My heart and prayers go out to your friends and family as I know we are all coping with the loss of a great friend. Rest in peace. xoxo
Brenda Evans says
My sincere condolences to Brock’s family.
Brock had a light that shone far & bright & it touched so many of us. It was always such a pleasure to fly with Brock, it made the work seem far less like “work”.
I so enjoyed knowing Brock & I will miss his smile,his warmth, his kindness & his “Goofy” charm. He was definitely one of a kind.
Rest in peace,Brock.
Annie M Poole-Bailey says
Rest In Peace,Brock. You will be missed. Your smile is one in a million. You touched a lot of people in your life time. I pray for peace for your family and friends. I was blessed that you were a part of my life. 💔
Suzanne says
Fly high my friend. For an unexplained reason I kept a VM you left me and now I re-listen and sad I will never share another laugh or drop a little tea!
You will be missed!
Julie Geddes says
May we all follow in Brock’s footsteps! A life shortened but well lived and a great example to the rest of us. I knew him as a young child and still smile at his sense of humor from a young age. Rest in Peace Brock!
Barb Thomssen says
I will forever miss my work, husband! I talked to you just days before and you sent me pictures of the fun you were having in Puerto Vallarta. I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that you’re gone. May you rest in peace, dear friend, you will truly be missed. Love you forever.❤️
Debra Adzema says
I remember when Brock first started flying for NW. The love and enthusiasm he had for his job and others will forever, be cherished and etched in our hearts forever.
Spread your wings Brock and fly with the Angels. You will be missed.
Rest in peace, my friend
Cynda Poll says
Brock was someone I’ll never forget. So kind and nice to everyone he was around. He left an impression on everyone he met. I’m sorry he’s gone so soon~he’ll be missed by many and he’ll be someone whose name puts a smile on all of our faces when we speak of him. 🩷blessed to have known Brock.
Elizabeth Whetter says
Brock was such a wonderful person. I worked with him at northwest/delta. Always a smile and upbeat nature. So good to his parents. We will miss him dearly. A ray of sunshine always. My deepest condolences to his family and many friends. Love, Liz Whetter
Ken nd Doris says
A GREAT neighbor and friend!
Roberta Wagner says
My dear friend, take care of those heavenly plants, don’t over water. You are always in my heart.
Thomas Bird says
RIP Brock were going to miss seeing you around Riverwest (Pool) and out flying for Delta!🙏
Kristine Kane (Benson) says
A Doll just a Doll!! Thank you, Brock for being you authentically and making us all laugh so much. I have such fond memories of you. God bless, honey rest in peace. Fly high baby!!
Amy Floden says
Brock was a very bright light here at Riverwest. I will miss him a ton. Condolences to his family.
Bill Hawkins says
Brock always was great had a smile on his face. A pleasure to be around. His wing were waiting for him. Fly high my friend.
Mary Jo Burns says
Brock was the light of your day!! Always giving to others. Flying with him was a delight. Fly High my friend!!
LGriffeth says
It was a pleasure to work with him on the Delta New Hire Interview team. My heart is for his family. He will be missed.
Margie Biewald says
Brock was the kindest and most loving friend anyone could ever have, he will be remembered by everyone who ever met him. He lived his life to the fullest and gave us all many happy memories.
Jeanette Cerbolles says
There is no dull moment when you fly with Brock. I am so privileged to meet and was able to worked with him. Brock, you will be missed by so many. Rest In Peace my dear Brock. 🙏💜