Richard Burhans

Richard Leo Burhans, affectionately known as "Rick," age 64, of Breckenridge, MN, passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Essentia Hospital in Fargo, ND, after a courageous battle with cancer. The Celebration of Life service will be held at 5 p.m., Friday, September 26, 2025, followed by military honors at Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge. Arrangements have been entrusted to Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge.

Rick was born to Kenneth Burhans and Renee (Braun) Burhans in Breckenridge, MN. Rick's family moved with Rick and three other children to Glendora, California in 1963, and four more children were born and raised there, that became their home for 26 years. In 1989, Rick's parents moved back to Breckenridge where they would spend their retirement years. Rick moved back to Breckenridge because his dad was ill. Rick graduated from high school in California and took college courses at Fergus Falls Community College. 

He served in the United States Army from November 23, 1982, to November 22, 1986, as a Finance Specialist, SP4, Experienced Private, at Fort Hood, TX. He earned the Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Expert Badge (Rifle) awards. Rick made his home in Breckenridge with his beloved lifelong partner, Cindy DeFries, and stepsons Matthew and Brady DeFries. In his spare time, Rick enjoyed horse racing, especially when he lived in California. He loved the Denver Broncos and was an avid football fan. He loved playing dice, cards, trips to Las Vegas, trading and collecting sporting cards, he enjoyed working with computers and technology. Rick was a quiet, reserved man, with a huge heart, always willing to help others. Rick and Cindy frequently and generously donated professionally framed, signed, and authenticated sports memorabilia for local benefits in the community. He as one of a kind! We want to give special thanks to Mindy, Hospice Nurse, and Dr. Gupta at the Roger Maris Cancer Center, and many others. 

Rick is survived by his beloved lifelong partner, Cindy DeFries; stepsons, Matthew and Brady DeFries; family members, cousins, and friends. He is survived by his brothers, Randy (Donna) Burhans, of San Dimas, CA, Bobby (Dianne) Burhans of Breckenridge, MN, Thomas Burhans of Breckenridge, MN, and Patrick (Wendy) Burhans of Dwight, ND. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Renee Burhans; sisters, Sandy (Jon) Brogran of Wahpeton, ND, Barbara Vanderbend of Banning, CA, and Kimberly Burhans of Banning, CA; and nephews, Jeff and Justin Stevens.  

Obituary written and submitted by Rick's loving family.