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July 18, 1979-Aug. 26, 2026
Minot
David Buen, 47, Minot, died Wednesday, August 26, 2026, in his home.
David Laurel Buen was born July 18, 1979, in Minot, North Dakota to Gene and Patricia (Wilson) Buen. He was raised in Velva, ND and graduated from Velva High School in 1998. From an early age, David excelled in sports, like his big brother Dan, who treasured the times they shared in baseball with their dad and at the swimming pool. David continued his education at Minot State University, where he attended on a golf scholarship, and earned a bachelor’s degree.
On July 18, 2003, David married Renata Rensch on their shared birthdays at the Gol Stav Church in Minot. Together, they built a beautiful life and were blessed with two daughters, Ella and Everly. He was immensely proud of his girls and cherished every moment he was able to spend with them.
David began his career in the insurance industry with Bremer Insurance and went on to become a respected insurance agent during his 20 plus years in the industry. He took pride in his work and in the relationships he built with the people he served. He also believed strongly in giving back to his community. David was a founding board member of the Aggie Foundation and served on the board of Rehab Services Inc. in Minot.
While David had many interests and accomplishments, golf was truly his ultimate passion. Golf was far more than a sport to David -- it was a lifelong pursuit, a craft, a challenge, and a way to connect with people. He was a true student of the game and spent countless hours on the range, always working to learn more and improve. Over the years, he repaired and worked on thousands of golf clubs, developing a remarkable knowledge and appreciation for the equipment and the game itself.
But perhaps what David loved most about golf was the people. He never cared what someone’s skill level, whether they were an experienced golfer or picking up a club for the first time, David enjoyed sharing the game with them. He could spend hours talking about golf, working on a swing, fixing a club, or simply enjoying time on the course or range. His passion for the game was contagious, and many people will remember David not only for how well he played, but for how generously he shared his love of golf with others. David was the ultimate scramble partner!
Outside of golf, David enjoyed hunting and fishing and treasured the time spent outdoors. He had a great appreciation for rock music and also had a special fondness for the Rocky movie series.
Throughout his life, David faced challenges with his mental health. Though there were times when those struggles were difficult for David and those who loved him. He will be remembered for his passion, his competitive spirit, his knowledge of the game he loved, his willingness to help others, and his ability to make people feel welcome regardless of where they were in life or on the golf course. David’s greatest accomplishments, however, were not found on a scorecard. They were found in the love he gave his family, the friendships he valued, and the lives he touched.
David is survived by his wife Renata; daughters, Ella and Everly all of Minot; siblings Dianna (Mark) Pollert, Jamestown, ND and Daniel Buen, Williston, ND; nieces and nephews Trevor (Kari) Pollert, Vance and Kori Rensch, Quinn Abraham and Ashley and Corey Eagleson; great nieces Coley and Cadence Eagleson and Nia Pollert; father-in-law Richard (Bonnie Fyllesvold) Rensch, Minot; brother-in-law Dustin (Ashley) Rensch, Fargo, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins along with his large group of friends, colleagues and all who had the privilege of sharing a round of golf, a conversation, or a moment of life with him.
David was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and mother-in-law Nancy Rensch.
Visitation: Monday, August 31, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Minot. To view a livestream of the service or to share memories and condolences access www.thomasfamily funeralhome.com
Interment: Wildrose Cemetery, Berthold, ND following our service in the church.
Tee Time to Celebrate David's Life: Memory sharing begins at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Beowulf Golf Club, 1912 Valley Bluffs Drive, Minot with continued sharing of food, laughter and memories until 8:00 p.m.
Memorials are preferred in David's name to the Aggie Foundation, for a scholarship that will be established. Donations can be sent to People's State Bank in Minot.
Published by The Minot Daily News, September 1, 2026.