Date of Death: October 22, 2025
Service Details
A visitation to welcome those who loved Dave will be held at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, 917 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001, on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00pm and 6:00 to 8:00pm. Dave will be laid to rest privately at Moorepark Cemetery.
Obituary Notice
David Paul Burnson, age 84, of Kalamazoo, MI, passed away on October 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A kind, humble and gracious man, David will be fondly remembered and missed by all who knew him. He was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on April 11, 1941, the only son of the late Rudolph and Susanne (Vink) Burnson. He graduated from Colon High School, Class of 1959. On October 6, 1967, he married the love of his life, Mary (Ward) Burnson. They enjoyed 58 years of marriage and made a lifetime of memories. Making his home in Kalamazoo, Dave began working for General Telephone Company and moved on after more than thirty years of service. Never one to stay idle he began working as a subcontractor for other telecommunication companies. In his later years, he found joyful employment at Langeland Family Funeral Home where he helped care for families during visitations and services. Dave’s kind smile, compassionate nature and warm welcome made him perfect for this role, and he befriended many during his time there. When not working, he enjoyed fishing, taking drives to Shipshewana and playing golf. Dave was handy and mechanically inclined which meant he could build and fix nearly anything and was often called upon by family and friends to do so. Above all Dave loved his family! He was immensely proud of his son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and his most valuable time was spent by their side. A love of the Lord and Christian character served as the foundation of Dave’s life; values he was proud to instill in his family. To know Dave was to love him. His smile, gentle words of encouragement and love for others made a lasting impact and he leaves behind the legacy of a life well lived. Dave is survived by his loving wife, Mary; son, Eric (Kimber) Burnson; grandchildren, Joshua (Emily) Burnson, Morgan (Andrew) Paeplow, Cameron Richardson, Keegan Richardson; great-grandchildren; Brentley Burnson, Lucas Paeplow, Wyatt and Kamdyn Richardson.
Additional Information
Memorial contributions may be made to Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, c/o the funeral home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
When your condolences are submitted they will not display until approved by the Hohner staff for appropriateness out of respect for their memory. They should appear within 24 hours or less. Thank you for your understanding.
We met Dave & his wife when his son played baseball. We warmed many benches together .Dave is a wonderful man, along with his wife & son. Never said a cruel word about anyone, He loved life & his family. Our prayers are with you Mary & family. Leroy & Mel Muffley
So sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. I worked with him at GTE and he was one of my favorites. He was the nicest and upbeat coworker. Prayers for his family.
Dave was such a great guy. We both worked with him at GTE for years. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Thoughts and prayers for Mary and family. I was neighbors with your family on Buckhorn Road in Threr Rivers. Such an amazing family.
I’m very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I worked with him at the phone company. He was such a nice man.
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Remember many years of working with Dave at GTE. Those were the good old days when we were all friends and family.
So sorry for your loss I don’t know if you remember me but I was from Leonidas graduated from Colon and knew the family may he RIP
Truly a great man. Always would brighten the day. Haven’t seen Dave in years but he was always in my thoughts. You made this world better. You will be missed.