Ronald Eugene Burnham

Ronald E. Burnham, 86, of Starbuck, died on Sunday morning April 11 at his home near Starbuck. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday April 15, at the First Evangelical Free Church in Benson, and continue on Friday from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, followed by the funeral service at 10:00 am. Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Ronald Eugene Burnham was born on January 8 ^th , 1935 to Glen and Bonnie (Huntley) Burnham. He grew up on the family farm located on the West end of Lake Emily in rural Hancock. His life was shaped by close family ties and hard work. During his younger years, he developed a love for farming and the outdoors with his parents and grandparents. Ron expressed his love for family by how he gave. Throughout Ron’s life his family would marvel at his ability to fix all things mechanical. He learned many skills by living on a farm and he enjoyed the hard work. He also had a witty sense of humor that always put a smile on people’s faces.

Ron was the oldest of three children. He attended country school at Country school #55 from 1 ^st through 8 ^th grade. Ron then attended Hancock High School graduating with the class of 1953.

Upon graduation from High School, Ron worked and farmed near his hometown for a time, then he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He trained at Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio, Texas. He served his country overseas for three years at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan as an aircraft mechanic. He was honorably discharged in 1959.

It was during his time in Japan that Ron met his first wife Sachiko. It was to this union that cherished and loved daughter, Barbara Ann Burnham (McDonald) was born.

Upon returning to civilian life, Ron returned to Minnesota and settled in the Twin Cities where he worked as a machinist. While living in the Twin Cities, Ron met and married the love of his life, Karen Yvonne Burnham (Boldra). The two were married on November 9 ^th , 1963 in Minneapolis. To this union of 58 years two sons were born, Michael Eugene and Gregory Lee.

The young family made a life for themselves in Minneapolis until 1969 when Ron had the opportunity to purchase a farm on the East end of Lake Emily in Pope County, not far from where he had grown up. Ron viewed the farm where he raised his family as a gift from God and he would live there from 1969 until the time of his death on April 11 ^th , 2021.

Ron was an excellent steward of his farmland where he and Karen raised dairy cattle, beef cattle and grain. He passionately served his community and was an early advocate of no tillage and erosion mitigation. He was especially involved in Blue Mounds Township, Starbuck Creamery, the Lake Emily Association, and the Farm Bureau. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and spending time with family. He was known to be an excellent shot.

A seminal moment occurred in Ron’s life in 1983 when his oldest son, Michael, was killed in a automobile crash. The pain and trauma of this event led to a deep searching for the meaning of life. In this, he found a deep and genuine relationship with the God of Creation, and his Son, the Messiah of all mankind, Jesus Christ. From the greatest hurt in his life, Ron found the greatest joy in his life, and he took advantage of every opportunity to faithfully witness about the love and mercy and grace of God.

Ron was a faithful member of the Evangelical Free Church. He served as deacon, elder, chairman, and taught Adult Sunday School Classes. He took great joy in fellowshipping with his church family.

Ron lived a full, productive, and meaningful life. He was always a hard worker and could always find something to do. Psalm 90:12 admonishes us all to number our days aright, so that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Ron strove to honor God in just this way.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 58 years, Karen Yvonne Burnham: his daughter Barbara McDonald of Burnsville and his son Gregory (Jennifer) Burham of Montevideo; eight grandchildren: Theresa Avery of Burnsville, Amy (Ricky) Zertuche of Fargo, North Dakota, Gideon Burnham of Boise, Idaho, Elizabeth (Justin) Siebel of Alexandria, Jeremiah (Tahlia) Burnham of Alexandria, Hope Burnham of Minneapolis, Abigail Burnham of Montevideo, and Anna Burnham of Montevideo: six great grandchildren: Lindell, Mario, Michaela, Beau, Eason, and Micah: his younger brother Alan (Ilene) Burnham of Morris: and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Ron is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, his oldest son Michael, his younger sister Lois, and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. Blessed be his memory.