Dale Burnham age 91 of Walnut Grove passed away peacefully Monday, December 23, 2013 at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne with family by his side. Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 31 at English Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove. Visitation is one hour prior to services at the church. Burial is in North Hero Township Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Dale Burnham was born May 8, 1922 in Rochester, Minnesota to Cleo (Paa) and Dale Burnham. Dale, as a toddler, moved to Walnut Grove with his mother, brother Dean and sister Dolores. Cleo married Ernest Schultz, who farmed north of town. Four brothers and sisters were born into this union. Dale attended country school #116 and later Walnut Grove public school. On June 25, 1944, he was inducted into the Army at Ft. Snelling, MN. Dale served with Company E 126th Infantry Regiment 32nd Division. Dale was a decorated combat infantry rifle marksman who fought in the battle of Luzon. He received several medals during his service, being most proud of being awarded the Bronze Star Medal “for meritorious achievement against the armed enemy during World War II in the Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operation.” Following discharge from the Army on May 11, 1946, Dale returned to Walnut Grove and began farming. On September 14, 1946, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Good. Two daughters were born to this union. In addition to farming, Dale also worked for ASCS and as an adjuster for MaKarrall Agency in Redwood Falls. During his life, Dale was a vital and contributing member of the community. He was a member of English Lutheran Church, Walnut Grove Development Corporation, 67-year member of Alfred Nelson American Legion Post 267, and a founding member of Walnut Grove Lions Club. Fishing (winter or summer) and playing cards were his favorite pastimes. In later years, Dale and Dorothy spent enjoyable winters in Arizona. Following Dorothy’s death in 2007, Dale spent his remaining years in assisted living and nursing care facilities.
Dale is survived by daughters Stephanie of Walnut Grove and Shari of Tucson, AZ; brothers: Joe (Carol) Burnham of Rochester, Robert (Judy) Schultz of Walnut Grove, and Richard Schultz of Balaton; brother-in-law William Posthumas of Rochester; and an abundance of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, parents, brother Dean Burnham, and sisters Dolores (Bert) Beens, Alice Posthumas, and Arlene (Walter) Anderson, and former brother-in-law Manfred Smaaladen.
It seems like just yesterday that Dale graciously hosted his 85th Birthday celebration here in Springfield! What a privilege to be included. At the Maples, we only knew Dale for a short time and with many limitations. However, we saw so many of the traits that allowed him to get to be 91 years old. He had an inner strength and determination that many of us younger folks may lack. He still enjoyed so many things and always liked the pretty girls! He was one of our many proud veterans living at the Maples over the past few years – what an honor to become part of their lives. And what a joy to get to know Stephanie because her Dad was with us. We are so blessed and privileged to do the work we do! Thanks and God Bless you!
Sharon and I are deeply saddened to read of Dale’s passing. Shortly after WWII I had the pleasure of working with Dale during harvest while in the same threshing run with my uncle, Arnold Beens. Even as a young teen, I was impressed with Dale’s keen sense of humor, kindness and leadership. He was also a teacher willing to take time to demonstrate how to do things.
A couple years ago I had the opportunity to share some of these old memories with Dale, including the great noon-time meals his mother would make for the hungry threshing crews at the farm.
I also seem to recall reading that Dale received the Silver Star Medal, belatedly, for his bravery in action during WWII. As you know, this is an incredibly high military combat honor and very few are recipients.
God Bless!
Dennis E. Rossing
Col, USAF (ret)