Richard Burns

Our father, Richard Raymond (Dick) Burns, went home to be with his wife “Cookie” and Jesus on May 21, 2024. He had been surrounded by family, and the beautiful angels at Ava’s House for several weeks prior to his passing.

Dick was born April 30, 1935 to Raymond and Laura (Wenger) Burns. He grew up as a child on a farm north of Waubay, overlooking Enemy Swim Lake. He enjoyed having his 7 siblings by his side. We have heard countless stories of the wonderful, and sometimes hard times as they all grew up together. Dick attended country school in rural Waubay through the eighth grade. At that time he joined his father in working the farmland and cattle full-time. His love for the land and animals was always obvious. He loved, and was very proud, of being a farmer.

Dick was also very proud of the time he spent in service with the Army National Guard, where he specialized as a marksman. The stories were endless of the time he spent with his fellow service-men. He had actually reconnected with one of his friends a few years back and had been sharing phone calls since.

On November 16, 1962, Richard married the love of his life, Arvyce “Cookie” Nelson. Shortly after marriage he attended vo-tech school in Fargo, ND; He was in the mechanics course and graduated at the top of his class. After graduation, Dick and Cookie made their home in Waubay. Dick’s career and love for farming continued from this time until his passing. Dick and Cookie lived in Waubay most of their lives. Dick returned to the farm to live a few years back after being a wonderful caretaker to his wife.

Dick was the best son, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather a person could ask for. He was the most selfless, giving person. There was hardly a time when he didn’t have something in his hand to give to someone. Most of the time these “somethings” were from his massive garden that he planted every year. His potatoes and his pickles were his trademark. The doctors and nurses at Sanford Oncology would attest to this. They very lovingly called him the “pickle man” as most of the time when he visited, he supplied them with jars of his homemade pickles.

Dick had a huge love for birds….any kind. He raised them, read and studied about them, and just enjoyed watching them. If you have ever visited the farm, you will remember chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, guineas, and even pheasants running around everywhere. They truly made him happy.

Dick passed away from a long illness with Multiple Myeloma. He spent the better part of 10 years dealing with on and off treatments for his cancer. He is so admired for his strength and courage while managing his illness and going about his life. His belief and famous words of “what are you going to do” and “it’ll come and It’ll go” will always be remembered. He taught us all so much.

Grateful for having shared Richard’s life are his children: Laurie (Mike) Barse, Paul Burns, and Jamie Burns. His grandchildren: Carrie Barse, Christina (Joey) Majerus, Caasha Barse and Matt Schauer, Calli (Alan Jr) Breck, and Cody Barse and Kylee Duncan. His great-grandchildren: Bryer Majerus, Hudson Schauer, Cash Schauer, and Hank Schauer. His sister: Kathleen Burns Salley. Special nephew: Jerry (Leslie) Burns Jr. Dick also leaves behind many, many nieces and nephews that all meant so much to him. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Laura Burns. Sisters: Delores Burns, Carol (Frank) Weyh, Donna (Bob) Albers, Janet (Eugene) Pekarek. Brothers: Jerry Burns and David (Susie) Burns.

We also want to acknowledge some very special people in Dick’s life that he met on his medical journey: Dr. Jonathan Bleeker, CNP Jacquie Kelley, and their nurse Paige. They grew to be like family to him and treated him as such. We will always be grateful for all they did for him. Also, the staff at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls. They treated our dad with such love, dignity, kindness, and respect. We couldn’t have asked for more from any of you.

Please join us on Saturday, July 27th for a celebration of Dick’s life at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Waubay. We will have family and friends gather from 10am to 12. From 12-1 pm the Burns family will enjoy a meal together. The funeral/celebration of life will be at 1pm with a time for visiting and refreshments following.