Robert D. Burns

Robert D. Burns, age 69 of Grafton, ND passed away on Monday, November 29, 2010 at his home in Grafton. Robert Dean Burns was born November 30, 1940 in Grafton, ND the son of the late Norman and Winnifred (Sevigny) Burns. He graduated from Grafton High School in 1958 and attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND. In 1962 he started farming with his father Norman near Grafton. Robert was united in marriage to Sharon Rheaume on June 19, 1962 in Oakwood, ND. The couple made their home in Grafton. Robert farmed until 1986 when he started selling farm equipment for Harriston Industries in Minto, ND. He worked there until 1999 when a stroke forced him to retire. Robert was a member of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the V.F. W. Hockey Booster and the Theta Chi in Grand Forks. He is survived by his wife Sharon of Grafton, ND; his sons: Dennis Burns and Douglas (Janan) Burns, both of Des Moines, IA; Darren Burns, Grafton, ND; three grandsons: A.J., Alex and Adam Burns, his brother; Roger (Dianne) Burns, Cedar Rapids, IA; sister-in-law Mary Lou Rheaume, Grafton, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Ronald. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, December 3, 2010 at 10:30 A.M. at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church on Friday for one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorials to the St. John's catholic church or Valley ambulance.