David R. Burnham of Mitchell passed away under hospice care on Friday, December 30, 2011 after a courageous eleven year battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was 68 years old. A funeral service will be held on January 4, 2012 at the First Lutheran Church in Mitchell at 10:30 am. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6 to 8 PM at the Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. Burial will follow the funeral service at Graceland Cemetery. Dave was born May 2, 1943 in Abilene TX to Raymond and Harriet (Johnson) Burnham. He grew up and attended school in Mitchell graduating from Mitchell High School in 1961. Dave was united in marriage with Patricia Bolster on October 24, 1964 in Fairmont, MN. He worked as an electrician in Mitchell, Sioux City, IA and Fairmont, MN. In 1974, the couple returned to Mitchell and Dave became an electrical contractor and president of Allied Electric. Allied later merged with Coates Electrical Service. In 1986 Dave and his brother, Dennis, purchased Coates Electric and he became president and remained active in the business until his health forced him to retire in 2007. During his 43 years as an electrician Dave took great pride in his work and became a master of his craft. At an early age Dave discovered his love of art and his caricatures quickly became favorites among family and friends. He later incorporated his enjoyment for hunting into his artwork by carving wooden duck replicas. Together, Pat and Dave enjoyed camping, volleyball, softball, and throwing darts. Dave's trademark witty sense of humor often entertained those around him. His caring spirit and love of life will be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to have been a part of it. Dave was a member of First Lutheran Church. Grateful for having shared his life are his loving wife of 47 years Pat; his two children, daughter Julie Wermers and her husband Brad of Brookings, SD; son Scott Burnham and his wife Jamie of Grand Junction, CO. Dave was also the proud grandfather of five wonderful grandchildren, Spencer, Laura, Mason, Mari, and Ian. In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren he is survived by his brother, Dennis of Mitchell. Dave was preceded in death by his mother Harriet (October 28, 2011). Memorials in Dave's memory may be directed to Avera Hospice in Mitchell.