John N. Burns

Mr. John N. Burns, 71, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on July 19, 2010. 

 He was born in Hollandale, WI on June 2, 1939 to the late Joseph and Lucille (nee: Weier) Burns. He graduated from Gratiot High School in 1957. He served with the U.S. Army in Germany from 1959 to 1960, where he drank coffee and pulled duty guarding Spandau’s sole prisoner, Rudolf Hess.

He returned to his studies at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville from where he graduated in 1964. He married JoEllen Colden on July 17, 1965, in Blanchardville, Wis. 

He taught English at Baraboo public schools and Rufus King High School in Milwaukee. He joined Park High School in Racine in 1965, where he worked for 31 years, teaching English, speech and drama. He directed or did technical work for more than 100 plays. He later became chairman of Park’s speech and drama department and was instrumental in starting the school’s radio and TV production classes.

While at Park, he obtained a master’s degree in communications from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He was chosen as a summer fellow in speech at Northwestern University and was a Center Associate at the Regional Staff Development Center at UW-Parkside.

He was also involved in forming Park’s student government group, filmed sporting events, served as a commencement emcee and was the host for countless end-of-year staff roasts and retirement parties. He was well known for imparting his knowledge of the fine art of cribbage. He and his family also hosted two foreign exchange students. John retired in 1996.

To celebrate his long and productive tenure at Park, the school’s theater was named in John’s honor in a ceremony in July 2009.

After retiring, John acted in several productions with the Over Our Head Players in Racine, including Underpants, Visiting Mr. Green and Barefoot in the Park.

He was an avid golfer and photographer. He enjoyed travel and the misadventures that accompanied it, such as  “the underwear exchange” at the top of the World Trade Center. He was an active member of St. Edward’s and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He was also a member of Group, friends who gathered to share their religious faith and spiritual support.

John was a generous, optimistic and fun-loving person who brought much joy to everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends, but his warm spirit will endure.

   In addition to his loving wife, JoEllen, he is survived by his children, Sean (Jessica Skornicka) Burns of Brooklyn, NY, Patrice (Roman Jimenez) Burns of Madrid, Spain; his sisters and brothers, Virginia Benson of Janesville, Mike (Sharon) Burns of Waunakee, Larry (Carolyn) Burns of Darlington, Ken Burns, Pat (Judy) Burns both of Madison, Rose (Mike) Ohlert of Cross Plains, Maureen Goen of Columbus, Becky (Larry) Ehrhorn of Madison, Georgine Miller of Benton; sisters-in-law, Anne Colden of London, England, Doris (Al) Kuehne of Janesville; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.  Mr. Burns was also preceded in death by his brother, Ron Burns; sister, Jocile Pirkel and his uncle and aunt, Chiz and Vera Burns.

   Friends and relatives are invited to meet with the family at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday evening from 4-8 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 8:30-9:45 am.  The celebration of his life and funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (1100 Erie St.) on Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Ricardo Martin officiating.  His burial will take place on Monday at 1:00 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Hollandale, WI.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s name have been suggested to the Creating Hope Campaign (for lung cancer research), Carbonne Comprehensive Center, 600 Highland Ave., Madison, Wis., 53792 or St. Patrick’s Congregation, 1100 Erie St., Racine, Wis., 53402.

   A special, heartfelt thanks to Mike and Sharon Burns for sharing the journey.