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David Paul Burnson, age 84, of Kalamazoo, passed away on Wednesday, 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 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.
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 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00pm. Dave will be laid to rest privately at Moorepark Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, c/o the funeral home.
Dave and Mary lived next door to us in Three Rivers in 1975. Dave was always an example of Christ. Friendly, willing to help out, an excellent neighbor. And he had a sense of humor. He loved to show off his picture of himself framed in a nice clean toilet seat. We have thought about Dave and Mary over the years with many pleasant thoughts. And if anyone wonders about the reality of a Savior, well they both manifested the reality of Jesus to us.
Eric, sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I’ve thought of you and your folks many times over the years. This neighborhood has never been the same without you all here. Praying for you and your family. Give your mom a hug for me.