Doris Burhans

Doris K. Burhans, age 91, of Breckenridge, MN, passed away, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at St. Catherine's Living Center, Wahpeton, ND. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, September 29, 2024, with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m., at Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge. The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, September 30, 2024, at Doran Presbyterian Church, Doran, MN. Pastor Kelly Hart will be officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home. 

Doris Kay (Martin) Burhans was born on November 22, 1933, in Breckenridge, MN, to Fred and Theresa Martin. A scrappy daughter and sister, Doris fondly recalled her childhood days as a “tomboy” on the farm with her brother, Bud, and sisters.

Doris met the love of her life, Rodney, on a double-date with her older sister, Winifred, and Rodney’s older brother, Freddy. After two years of courtship, the couple said “I do” on the family farm on September 20, 1949, and soon after started their family. Together they raised five children on the Burhans homestead and were happily married for 38 years. Doris joined her beloved one day after their 75th wedding anniversary. 

As a dedicated farm-wife, Doris ran a home that was a sanctuary for family and friends alike. It seems everyone, at some point, took a turn living with Doris and Rodney for a time. Her kitchen was always open, feeding the farmhands three full meals a day and caring for her children and the siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, or grandchildren who found solace under her roof. Animals, too, had a special place in her heart and found a home with her on the farm. 

She was a diligent worker, and her home was filled with love. No matter what needed to be done, nothing was too pressing for Doris to truly listen, empathize, offer advice, and heal the weary soul with something freshly baked from her oven. 

While she worked, she found a way to play, too. She was fun, if a bit mischievous at times, often singing and dancing her way through a day. She loved to tell stories and jokes, and her laugh was pure joy. She was always up for a card game, a scary movie, and the first big spring thunderstorm.

Doris was a generous woman and gladly gave her time, attention, energy, and love, motivated by her great-big-loving heart. She made ordinary days special occasions. She made regular hugs full embraces. She made a simple visit a joyful (and stomach-full) celebration. She was a friend to all, and especially to those who were really needing a friend. 

She had an exceptional talent and affinity for drawing and painting. The things she created are awe-inspiring and treasured. Even in her later years in Twin Town Villa, numerous painted rocks lined her tables and shelves. Art and creativity were part of her, left untouched by the decline that inevitably came with age.

Art remained, as did her steadfast faith. She was a life-long member of Doran Presbyterian Church, strengthened and grounded by her love for Jesus. Doris singing hymns like “In the Garden” and “Silent Night” was so lovely, it's easy to imagine the angels falling quiet so they could listen.

What the heart has once known, it will never forget, and Doris’s generous love and joyful laugh will remain with us who were touched by her life always.

Doris leaves behind four children, Pam (Brian) Ellingson; Lori (Rick) Bladow; Mark; Don (Carmen) Burhans; 16 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Monica Lahren, many nieces and nephews; and son-in-law, Kelvin Hoeft. She is preceded in death by her husband, Rodney; her daughter Paulette; her brother, Bud, and her sisters; and granddaughter, Ashley B.

Obituary Submitted by Doris' Loving Family