Arvyce "Cookie" Burns

Arvyce "Cookie" Burns, 81, of Waubay, SD, passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2022, at Bethany Home in Sioux Falls, SD.

Memorial Service will be at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, January 9, 2023, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Waubay, South Dakota and will be livestreamed on Fiksdal Funeral Service Facebook page. Pastor Marion Grimes will officiate. Ice Cream will be served following the service. Inurnment will be at a later date.

FAMILY Memorial Visitation will be at 11:00 A.M. on January 9, 2023, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

Arvyce LaVonne "Cookie" (Nelson) Burns was born on November 13th, 1941 to Arvid and Olga (Bakken) Nelson.  She was the light of their life and was loved immensely. Cookie grew up and went to school in Waubay, SD.  She was a musician, playing both the piano and clarinet.  She graduated from high school in 1959 with her many friends. After high school,  Cookie continued her education at both Northern State and Augustana Universities.  She graduated, with honors, and received her Bachelors Degree in Education. Cookie began her career in Waubay teaching both English and German.  We have heard from many what a fabulous, and beautiful teacher she was.

Cookie married the love of her life, Richard Raymond Burns, on November 16th, 1962.  They recently celebrated a major milestone....their 60th wedding anniversary!  Even after years of battling dementia, Richard was her light.  Although she couldn't verbalize her love for him, it was witnessed each time she reached to hold his hand when they were together. 

Cookie took time away from her career to start and raise a family.  She was there for her husband and children for anything they needed.  More than once she put her life on pause to take care of those she loved. Cookie re-entered the work force taking jobs in both the Waubay and Webster school districts.  But, she wanted more! Cookie went back to college and graduated  (again with honors!) with a Masters Degree in Library Science.  From there Cookie became the Library Director at Presentation University in Aberdeen, SD.  She loved her job there and was so committed and successful.  For over 20 years Cookie drove 120 miles a day to be a friend,  and make a difference to so many students. 

Upon retiring, Cookie's goal was to relax and "clean her house".  She was able to spend more time with her family and was often "summoned" to help with the grandkids in Sioux Falls.  Her grandkids couldn't have had a better Grandma Cookie! Things Cookie loved:  God, family, ice cream, chocolate, Elvis, the Lakers, the Twins, Tom Cruise, Dancing With The Stars, and pink lipstick and nails. 

An obituary typically signifies an end.  But, for Cookie, we know this is a new beginning.  We know she
is "dancing with the stars" in heaven and was greeted by all those she loved.  She is healthy and whole again and is our new Guardian Angel. 

Cookie is survived on earth by her husband Richard of Waubay; her children Laurie (Mike) Barse of Sioux Falls, Paul Burns of Waubay, and Jamie Burns of Sioux Falls.  Grandchildren are Carrie Barse, Christina (Joey) Majerus, Caasha Barse (Matt Schauer), Calli (Alan Jr.) Breck, and Cody Barse.  Great grandchildren are Bryer Majerus,  and Hudson, Cash, and Hank Schauer.  She was preceded in death by her parents, many loving uncles,  aunts and cousins, and special cousin/best friend Jerry Mitchell.