NEWCASTLE — Austin David Burcham, 26, Newcastle, died as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident Feb. 24, 2026. Though his time on earth was too short, the impact Austin made on those around him will be felt for a lifetime. Funeral Services were March 2 at Faith Lutheran Church, Maskell, with the Rev. Chad Beckius officiating. Visitation was Sunday at Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington, and continued Monday, at Faith Lutheran Church. Austin was born in Topeka, Kan., Dec. 5, 1999. He joined the home of David and Linda Burcham Aug.7, 2005. While growing up, he participated in 4-H and showed horses at the Cedar County Fair. He attended school in Wynot and graduated from Hartington in 2019, where he was involved in FFA. He interned that summer with NDOT before starting a job at Carhart Lumber Company in Hartington where he worked until his passing.

Austin was a beloved soul with a heart of gold. He was known for his loving heart, his strong work ethic, and the smile he seemed to wear wherever he went. Austin had a way of making people feel welcome, and he brought happiness to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was the kind of person who would drop everything to help someone in need. There was truly nothing he wouldn’t do for a friend, a neighbor, or even a stranger. His kindness was genuine, his compassion was constant, and his presence was a gift. Austin was an avid Vikings and Husker football fan and enjoyed hunting, working with his horses, playing cards with family, and assembling puzzles. He was most proud of being an uncle and found joy in spending time with his cousins.

Austin was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church, where his faith was an important part of his life and who he was. He found joy in God’s creation, especially in the time he spent with his beloved horse, Charlie, and dog, Macy. Whether he was outdoors, at work, or surrounded by family and friends, Austin lived with a full heart.

Austin is survived by his father, David Burcham, Newcastle, and mother, Linda Burcham, Hudson, Iowa; siblings, Daniel (Centenary) Alfrey, Wathena, Kan.; Heather Burcham, Plymouth, Wis.; and Zach Burcham, Lawton, Iowa; grandmother, Marlene Beenken, Hudson, Iowa; nephews, Cooper Hanson and Jaxon Velazquez; niece, Esmeralda and Ava Burcham; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.

He is preceded in death by his Papa and Grandma, Robert “Bob” and Ivadell Burcham; grandfather, George Beenken; aunt, Tammie Rasmussen; and cousins, Amanda Rasmussen, Liam Fitzwater and Nick Hagen.

In honor of Austin’s love for the Cedar County Fair, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be designated to the Cedar County Fair, Hartington.