Obituary for David Francis "Dave" Burns
David Francis Burns, age 68, went home to the Lord on July 30, 2023, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born April 2, 1955, in Huron, SD and spent most of his years living in the communities of Bloomington and Tonka Bay, MN.
To know Dave meant to be protected and provided for. His love was steadfast and humble, and he was quick to do what was right and good in life. Dave listened intently and cared for the needs of each person in his life distinctively: fishing off the dock or cuddling up for an afternoon nap with his grandkids; providing work and security for his employees over the years; driving his nieces and nephews in circles for hours as they tubed in Tonka Bay; quietly funding the dreams and efforts of others; the list of ways he helped others is unending. He provided plenty of laughs for his life-long friends with his dry sense of humor. Everyone in Dave’s life knew that if you needed anything at all, no matter how obscure, you could always drop by his garage before heading to the local hardware store, and he’d happily provide. If you went out to dinner, Dave would never let you pick up the check, unless of course you went to the restroom ten minutes into the meal and sneakily provided your credit card to the server – it took craftiness to treat Dave to a night out!
All Dave needed to be happy was a friend to share a Diet Coke with, a comfortable chair or porch swing, the kids he loved romping and laughing at the lake, and songs from country music’s Golden Age playing in the background. He was a consistent and caring son and brother, a fun and playful uncle, a doting grandpa, and a gracious and generous friend. His life was full of adventures and success, but it was clear that what he cared about the most was providing for his wife and sons and building a warm and welcoming home for all to enjoy.
Dave is forever loved and lives on in the hearts and memories of so many. It is impossible to put into words the significance of Dave’s life and the mark of love and faith he left on this world. We believe he is at peace, joyfully living in the presence of God, with those who have gone before him. Dave was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Burns, and father, Donald Burns. He is survived by his loving wife, Debra Burns; sons Michael (Cassandra) Burns and Thomas (Megan) Burns; siblings Katy (Mike) Wright, Dan (Linda) Burns, and Mary (Brian) Devries. He is forever loved and remembered by his eight grandchildren, Micah, Noah, Stella, Donovan, Shiloh, Brooklyn, Eliza, and Joelle, as well as his nieces and nephews, and his many cherished friends.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish, 680 Mill Street, Shorewood, MN, on August 11, at 11:30 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. Dave was color blind, but he could see the color yellow. Please feel free to add some sunshine to Dave’s celebration by wearing some yellow that day!
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either Best Buddies International of Minnesota, in honor of Dave’s beloved grandson, Donnie, or to Young Life College-MN 98.
To know Dave meant to be protected and provided for. His love was steadfast and humble, and he was quick to do what was right and good in life. Dave listened intently and cared for the needs of each person in his life distinctively: fishing off the dock or cuddling up for an afternoon nap with his grandkids; providing work and security for his employees over the years; driving his nieces and nephews in circles for hours as they tubed in Tonka Bay; quietly funding the dreams and efforts of others; the list of ways he helped others is unending. He provided plenty of laughs for his life-long friends with his dry sense of humor. Everyone in Dave’s life knew that if you needed anything at all, no matter how obscure, you could always drop by his garage before heading to the local hardware store, and he’d happily provide. If you went out to dinner, Dave would never let you pick up the check, unless of course you went to the restroom ten minutes into the meal and sneakily provided your credit card to the server – it took craftiness to treat Dave to a night out!
All Dave needed to be happy was a friend to share a Diet Coke with, a comfortable chair or porch swing, the kids he loved romping and laughing at the lake, and songs from country music’s Golden Age playing in the background. He was a consistent and caring son and brother, a fun and playful uncle, a doting grandpa, and a gracious and generous friend. His life was full of adventures and success, but it was clear that what he cared about the most was providing for his wife and sons and building a warm and welcoming home for all to enjoy.
Dave is forever loved and lives on in the hearts and memories of so many. It is impossible to put into words the significance of Dave’s life and the mark of love and faith he left on this world. We believe he is at peace, joyfully living in the presence of God, with those who have gone before him. Dave was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Burns, and father, Donald Burns. He is survived by his loving wife, Debra Burns; sons Michael (Cassandra) Burns and Thomas (Megan) Burns; siblings Katy (Mike) Wright, Dan (Linda) Burns, and Mary (Brian) Devries. He is forever loved and remembered by his eight grandchildren, Micah, Noah, Stella, Donovan, Shiloh, Brooklyn, Eliza, and Joelle, as well as his nieces and nephews, and his many cherished friends.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish, 680 Mill Street, Shorewood, MN, on August 11, at 11:30 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. Dave was color blind, but he could see the color yellow. Please feel free to add some sunshine to Dave’s celebration by wearing some yellow that day!
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either Best Buddies International of Minnesota, in honor of Dave’s beloved grandson, Donnie, or to Young Life College-MN 98.