Care Package packing parties are held the first Saturday of every month at the Millard American Legion Post #374. Please continue the legacy by supporting the Millard Legion Auxiliary and their monthly Care Package "packing parties". Burns, David J. Apr 30, 1951 - Jun 11, 2010
Beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. Survived by his wife, Doris; his 2 daughters, Alicia (David) Larrick
and Clara Burns; his "son", Moritz Klose; his mother, Emogene Burns, Council Bluffs; brothers and sisters; nieces and nephews; 2 grandchildren, Sophia and Gabriella. David proudly served and retired from the US Army Reserve with the rank of Major, with a tour of duty in Iraq. FUNERAL SERVICES Thursday, 11am at the Pacific Street Chapel with Interment in Flower Hill Cemetery. Full military honors proudly offered by the Millard American Legion Post #374 and VFW Post #8334. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you support our troops. Military Honors:
Bronze Star
Army Commendation Medal (7 Awards)
Army Achievement Medal (3 Awards)
Bronze Order of the Mercury (Signal Corps)
Bronze Order of the de Fleury (Engineer Corps)
Combat Action Badge
Other Service and Achievement Awards
Civilian Career:
Union Pacific Railroad (Omaha) - Purchasing Agent
Power Parts Company (Chicago) - Sales Representative
Magnus Inc. (Fremont) - Sales Manager
Helm Corp. (Omaha) - Assistant Vice President, Equipment Services
When someone as young and vibrant as David dies, it is normal to have questions (I called him “David”; everyone else called him “Dave”). I am writing this to help answer these questions. First, we should celebrate David’s LIFE and not dwell on his death and the sadness that brings. He was a good man; a good husband, father, and grandfather; and a patriot. What has been determinedr: The Douglas County Coroner confirmed that David’s death was caused by an acute cardiac infarction (heart attack). Let me say this: David could not have had more caring and experienced people respond than the angels who did. It is so comforting to me and to our family that he did not die alone and that he was surrounded by people who cared. We will be forever grateful to the Swanson and Davidson families. They responded within minutes to perform CPR & rescue breathing. Omaha Rescue arrived on the scene less than five minutes later but could do nothing – they applied the defibrillator but, from what we understand, no shocks were given. It was over; it was that fast. David passed away peacefully at approximately 5:45pm on Friday evening, June 11, 2010 on the West Papio-North bicycle trail near 163rd and Capitol. Most likely, he was finished with his long bicycle ride (he wanted to do 70 miles that day) and was heading home. He must have started feeling light-headed and decided to get off the bike and lay down in a grassy, shady area. He did not fall off his bike, he was still wearing his helmet and sunglasses, and his cell phone was not out. From all indications, he did not know that he was in trouble and he was not in pain. Sergeant Rob Jones, a Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy (and Chaplain) arrived at our house at approximately 7:30pm to notify Clara and me. He stayed with us until family could arrive. He also went to Alicia’s house to notify her. I did not know that the Douglas County Sheriff’s office had people like Sergeant Jones – I am so glad they do. He has been exceptional through this. He had no known pre-existing conditions or symptoms. He went to the doctor – even had a physical on April 15th. His cholesterol was only slightly elevated, he did not smoke, he exercised regularly, had normal blood pressure, and he was not on any medications. His stress levels were probably a little high, but he thought that exercise would help. He took only aspirin for muscle pain because he heard that it thins the blood, helps with arthritis, and is good for the heart. He DID snore considerably and struggled for air at times while he slept. For years I asked him to have a sleep study done; or at least a diagnostic test; but to no avail. I had just recently convinced him to wear nasal strips which seemed to help his airflow. If there is one medical message, it is this: if you snore every time you go to sleep, get tested. I have been researching sleep for years (I am in a Public Health degree program) - snoring can be a symptom of conditions that can lead to heart problems (and other issues). Please get tested – it’s painless. Other things we have learned from this:
1. Take a photo ID wherever you go. Because David was carrying his retired military ID, the Sheriff’s department was able to quickly make a positive identification as well as find and notify Clara and me. Can you imagine if that had not been the case?
2. Plan for this situation and let your next-of-kin know the plan. Thank goodness I know where everything is. Does your spouse know where everything is kept (i.e. insurance, retirement accounts, bank accounts, investments, pensions, etc.)?
3. Being healthy is important; but being well is everything. David led a well life – faith in God, love of family, caring for others, and a belief in something greater than himself. In the end, THAT is what people remember; THAT is what makes a difference in this world; and THAT is what gives solace to Clara, Alicia, Mori and me. Thank you for caring.
