Richard David Burns

Richard David Burns, 72, of La Crescent, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on February 21st, 2023 while vacationing in Florida with his beloved wife Lindsey of 53 years. He was born in La Crosse Wisconsin on August 28th, 1950 to Norman and Lillian (Gabel) Burns. When he felt like it, he attended Central High school in La Crosse. He graduated in 1968 and got sent on what he called the “senior trip of a lifetime” to Vietnam. When discussing his deployment Richard would joke that “they said it was a tropical place”. While there, he served our nation as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps from 1968-1970. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, the Rifle Marksman Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal during his service. He was proud, he was strong, and one of the few good men. Oorah! After returning home he married the love of his life, Lindsey Stanley, whom he met when he was 15. They were married on May 9th, 1970 at Holy Trinity Church in La Crosse, WI. They had three children; Angie, Mike, and Lisa. Richard attended Western Technical Institute (WTI) and graduated with a degree in tool and die. While attending college, and raising a family, he worked nights at Gateway Foods. After graduating from WTI he chose to remain working at Gateway where he eventually worked himself up to foreman of the Frozen Foods Department which encompassed half of the business. Many would say he ran a tight ship! He remained with Gateway, which eventually became Fleming Foods, for 34 years. When Fleming Foods closed he took a job as an instructor of Combat Life Saver Training at Fort McCoy. There he provided medical support training for the many brave soldiers deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. This position was extremely rewarding for him as he was able to give our brave soldiers the mental preparation and medical training they needed to endure deployment and eventually get themselves home again. This also was the first time he found healing from his many experiences in combat. When this experience ended, he took a position with Chart Industries where he remained a loyal and dedicated employee until he retired. Richard was the hardest worker you would ever meet. He fenced a half-acre alone on a 90-degree day running off of only hot coffee and cigarettes. He loved hot rods, and horse racing and he spent many years breeding, raising, and racing Quarter Horses. His favorite horses were his mare Fritz, and his stallion Mr. Easy Stride (Otis). From these two he had many foals that went on to racing, barrel racing, cattle work, chuck-wagon racing, and jumping. Proudly, one of the foals from his stallion became a world champion jumper at the American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Show. His horses raced in MN, IA, NE, and KS. He loved foals and would often spend hours sitting in stalls with newborns imprinting them. Through his love for horses, he developed many wonderful life-long friendships including his special friend Casey Eglinton. He gifted Casey his last two mares at retirement and Casey has continued Richard’s legacy of his beloved horses Fritz and Otis. Richard was a wonderful husband and father who always provided for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a sly grin on his face. He is survived by his wife Lindsey, daughter Angie Burns (Kristin Allbright), son Michael Burns (Karla Rico-Burns), and youngest daughter Lisa Weinberger (Dan Weinberger). His grandchildren were the light of his world and included Allison and Alex Weinberger, Chase Allbright, Gabriel, Michael, and Uriel Burns. He is also survived by his brother Robert (Gail) Burns, sister Carly Burns, and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents and sister, Barbara Hickey. We are deeply saddened by the loss of our Richard, but we take great comfort in the many stories people have shared with us of his shenanigans, euphemisms, and wise advice he has provided throughout his 72 years on earth. Rest In Peace, sweet Poppyseed. Visitation for Richard will be held from 4 until 6 P.M. on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services La Crosse chapel; 200 West Ave. South. Private family burial will take place in Toledo Cemetery, rural La Crescent.