Frank Burda

Frank John Burda, 83, of rural Middle River, MN, died on Thursday morning, July 24, 2014 in LifeCare Roseau Manor at Roseau, MN.

Frank John Burda was born on August 24, 1930 to Czech immigrant parents, Frank & Marie (Dvorak) Burda, in a log home on the Burda Farm, Thief Lake Township, Marshall County, northeast of Middle River, Minnesota, where he lived his entire life. He walked across the field and through the woods 1 mile north of their home to attend the Grass Lake Country School in Roseau County, and later attended the Crookston Ag College, until his parents health prompted him to return home to help on the farm. He was grateful for his education and always encouraged his children to better themselves. He liked history and was an avid newspaper reader, and was always looking for “good deals” in the local shopper paper.

He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith, and attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Benwood, MN. His Faith was an important part of his life.

On a beautiful fall day, in the middle of harvest season, Frank married Rosalie Helen Gust on September 11, 1951. They lived on the home farm, working side by side where they raised dairy, beef, chickens, turkeys, pigs, sheep, small grains, corn, hay, and most importantly their eleven children. To support a large family, they had huge gardens and sold cream, eggs & milk. He was a creative handyman. He also worked at Arctic Cat & Polaris as well as in the potato fields and in the woods cutting pulp wood. Frank was a hard worker who didn’t take much ‘time off,’ but he did enjoy goose and deer hunting, and going to Polka Fests. His favorite ‘vacations’ were when all of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren would come to visit. He was grateful to get a chance to visit the Czech Republic in 1999, and see the homeland of his parents and the house where his father lived. He loved to visit and reminisce and speak the Czech language and was very proud of his Czech heritage, often greeting family and friends with “Jak se máš?” (How are you?). He enjoyed all of the ethnic foods that Rosalie, “his head cook and bottle washer” made; but especially Kolaches & Sour Kraut & dumplings. “To dobrý ” (It’s good). He also liked ice cream, popcorn, and cold hot dogs.

Frank enjoyed “Old time” music, polkas & waltzes. He liked to dance and as he got older and couldn’t move as well he liked to listen to the music & watch others dance. He loved to hold his Grandchildren pretending he was playing a Button Box accordion and hum polka & waltz tunes to them, helping to instill the love of music in the next generation.

Frank was proud that his youngest son continued as the third generation on the same farm. Frank & Rosalie were good stewards of the land. They were very thrifty and knew the value of recycling long before the ‘go green’ slogans became popular. He never really “retired” from farming, he just “slowed down,” always wanted to keep up with the farm activities of each season. He had a toy tractor collection, and his trusty ’97 pickup that he called “Old Blue”.

He is survived by his devoted, caring wife, Rosalie, of nearly 63 years.

Their 11 children—Angeline (Gail) Steinhauer, Paul Burda, & Marguerite (Dale)

Barth, all of Thief River Falls, MN, Rosalind (Robert) Bentow of Roseau, MN.,

Marilyn (Jim) Kukowski of Strathcona, MN, Anthony (Beth) Burda of Milaca, MN, Theresa (Doug) Bentow of Greenbush, MN, Daniel (Kelly) Burda of Champlin, MN, Matthew (Pixie) Burda of Livingston, MT, Karen (Dan) Espeseth of Erskine, MN & Alan (Kelly) Burda of Strathcona, MN.

He was very proud of their 20 grandchildren—Dominik (Jess), Morea & Brandon Steinhauer, Breanne Burda, Bret (Amanda) & Tim (Holly) Bentow, Deven, Alex (Rachel) & Philip Burda, Emily & Tyler Bentow, Elizabeth & Jennifer Burda, Stephanie, Hunter & Nicholas Burda, Garret, Megan, Alayna & Lindsey Espeseth.

and their 6 great-grandchildren—Aiden & Jayda Bentow, Grayson & Gavin Bentow, Layla & Lacey Burda.

Also survived by sister-in-law—Adeline (Harlan) Broten & and brother-in-law—Albert (Rhoda) Gust and several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father—John Spina, 2 half-brothers & sisters-in-law—Joe (Annie) Biskup, Jerry (Eleanor) Biskup.

Half sister & brother-in-law—Georgie (Don) Krause.

Father & mother-in-law—Alex & Emma Gust, Son-in-law—Jack Garcia.

Grandson—Ethan Espeseth & nephew—Gerald Biskup.

Frank was blessed with a unique sense of humor and was a dedicated family man who was pro-life and filled with joy over each new baby arriving in the family. He often showed his love by offering his opinion and advice. He loved to reminisce and visit about old times and days gone by.

May God Bless all our special memories of Grampa Frank Burda.

And as he would say…“We’ll see you when we see you.”

Funeral Services were held on Monday, July 28, 2014 in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church of Greenbush with Father John Kleinwachter, officiating. Musicians were Cathy Erickson, Joe & Joy Gust & Gail Steinhauer. Rosary Leader was Marguerite Barth. Readers were Bret & Tyler Bentow, Elizabeth Burda, Karen & Garret Espeseth. Family memories was delivered by Dominik Steinhauer. Altar Servers were Megan, Alayna & Lindsey Espeseth. Gift Bearers were Paul, Marguerite, Rosalind, Marilyn, Anthony & Matthew. Eucharistic Ministers were Doug & Terri Bentow, Allan, Kelly & Daniel Burda. Casket Bearers were their grandchildren and Honorary Pallbearers were their great-grandchildren.

Burial was in Gust National Cemetery in Poplar Grove Township, Roseau County, rural Strathcona, MN. Gieseke Funeral Chapel of Greenbush was in charge of arrangements.