Joseph Richard "Rich" Burns died Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Avera Flandreau Hospital. Rich was born on August 23, 1939, at Flandreau to Joseph and Marie (Smith) Burns. He attended Flandreau public schools and graduated as a member of the legendary "Class of 1957". He enlisted for a three-year tour in the US Army in October 1957 and honorably discharged in October 1960. Included in his military service was a tour of duty in South Korea. He returned to Flandreau following his military service and was employed by the Flandreau Cooperative until 1964. He married Rita Headrick of Flandreau on October 27, 1962. Three children were from their marriage, Mathew, Michael and Marty. Tragically, Michael died as an infant and Marty died at age seven from a brain tumor. Rich began a 31 year professional career with US Postal Service in February 1964. His postal service included time in Flandreau, Sioux Falls, and Brookings. At the time of his retirement, he was the Deputy Postmaster in Brookings. Rich continued to work for several years at the Flandreau Trading Post where he officiated the morning old men's political and sports coffee group rumbles. Rich was a lifetime member of Ss. Simon and Jude Catholic Church and achieved life membership status in the Flandreau Knights of Columbus Chapter. He also achieved life membership status with the Veterans of Foreign Wars. As a young man he was very active with the Flandreau Jaycees. "Love" and "Loyalty" are two words that best describe Rich. His love and loyalty to Rita and Matt and his parents and five siblings, the Flandreau community, his church and our nation were evident in his words and actions. As a sports fan, his unwavering devotion to the Flandreau Fliers and Cardinals and Notre Dame Fighting Irish were well known. He wavered for a good cause only in his support for the Minnesota Vikings and Twins. South Bend, home of the Fighting Irish, enjoyed several weekends of fan surges as Rich and his friends challenged all kinds of weather and road conditions to "Shake Down the Thunder".

Rich is survived by his wife, Rita; son, Matt (Leslie), and granddaughters Meg and Colleen, San Antonio TX. He is also survived by sister Mary Powers, Flandreau SD; brother Robert (Donna), Brookings SD; sisters-in-law Marlys Burns, Duluth MN; Shelia Burns, Las Vegas NV; Betty Peper, Millsboro DE; Beverly Phelan (Greg), Castle Rock CO; Denise Snuttjer (Randy), Bennett CO; and brothers in law Ken Headrick (Dee), Greeley CO; Larry Headrick (Gail) Brandon SD; as well as numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his sons Michael and Marty, his parents, brothers William, Charles, and James, and brothers-in-law, Peter Powers and Roger Peper.

Visitation without the family present will be from 2:00 – 4:00 pm Sunday, December 6, 2020 at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am Monday, December 7, 2020 at Ss. Simon and Jude Catholic Church, Flandreau. Livestream will be available on Rich's obituary page at www.skrochfc.com. Masks and social distancing will be required of all attending the visitation and funeral service. Interment will be at a later date at Ss. Simon and Jude Catholic Cemetery. Memorials to the Flandreau Booster Club or Flandreau Cardinal Baseball.