"It is always difficult to say goodbye to a friend who has touched you in so many ways. It is even with greater sadness that we were unable to see him at his 80th. Steve was a mentor and very good friend during my days at Corroon & Black. It is so fatefull about how some things turn out. If Roy and Steve had not been neighbors, think about about all the friendships that would never had been and how we would have been deprived of all our great memories. To Phil, Mark and C.J - your Dad was one of kind. My life is richer because of him. Our deepest sympathy."
In loving memory of
Stephen Burns
October 21, 1930 - December 10, 2010
\r\nStephen J. Burns\r\n\r\nStephen Burns, of Port Washington, formerly of Muskego and Darien, IL, passed away on Friday, December 10, 2010 at Heritage Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Port Washington where he had been a resident. Mr. Burns was born in Western Spring, IL on October 21, 1930, son of Franklin and Josephine Himes Burns. Stephen attended Downers Grove Community High School where he excelled in both track and basketball, graduating in 1949. After high school he attended Arizona State University, where he was very active. He was a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, the Scabbard & Blade Society, Blue Key and was named “Who’s Who in America” in 1953. After graduating from ASU with a business degree, he went to Fort Knox, Kentucky for the Army Officers Basic Course. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army until his honorable discharge in 1955. Mr. Burns worked as an insurance broker for Caroon & Black Insurance Company. Stephen was very involved in Alcoholics Anonymous, helping others achieve their dream of becoming sober. He was a generous, fun loving man who also enjoyed and was very enthusiastic for the outdoors. Through the years he mentored many young adults, teaching them how to fish, hunt camp and canoe in the north woods. Mr. Burns is survived by his three children; Phil (Dana) Burns of Eagle, WI, Mark (Debbie) Burns of Port Washington, WI and Carol Jo (Doug) Damberg of Sacramento, CA. He is further survived by his five grandchildren, Alicia, Zuri, Ryan, Mickey and Jamie, his brother Pete Burns of Laramee, WY, his former wife Helga Burns, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Barbara Brandt and his special friend and companion Bonnie Westergren. Memorials services for Mr. Burns will be held at a later date. The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com \r\n
Service:
Memorial services for Mr. Burns will be held at a later date
Tributes
"Selma and I would like to send our deepest sympathy for the loss of your father. Mr.B had a very big part in our life and he will be missed. I know I would not be the outdoorsman I am today if it were not for your father. He was a teacher, very generous, had a big heart and would go out of his way to help a freind. I will miss his stories and the occasional kick in the ass when I deserved it. Both Selma and I loved Mr. B and will miss him dearly. Speaking from my own experience, you will never forget your father and with time he will bring a smile to your face instead of a tear to your eye. Love, Kent & Selma"
"Uncle Steve, Whale, Mr. Bâ?¦what memories he left us with to savor in the years to come! He was always there with a kind word; a shoulder to lean on or cry on; serious, direct, and blunt words when we needed them most; but mostly there because he cared so much about each and every one of us. Whale has left a hole in each of our hearts, but he also spent his life making our hearts whole â?? who could ask for anything more? I have this vision of Steve leading all the children in heaven on one adventure after another, forever and always the Pied Piper. Youâ??ve got to wonder what fish he has on the end of his line right now!! "
"What a great guy. I have many fond memories. With all these comments about Steve being an outdoorsman no one has mentioned his golfing ability - what a foot mashie he had. As previously written, they broke the mold after Steve was born. He will be missed"
"Dad, That was a hell of a run you gave. The mold will be broken and now its up to someone else to test the limits. You gave and offered opportunites to me and others like know one else. I can only hope to be able to do the same. You had a lot of chapters in your life and though some you would like to forget they helped make the rest of the story better. Thanks for being my friend, mentor, and most of all a father. Love always and please keep a tab on me from time to time. Mark & Deb "
"Mr. Burns had a huge positive influence on my life. He not only taught us to fish, camp, and appreciate nature, he taught us about life. Steve was more than a teacher to me. He was a role model. I have so many great memories of the adventures we shared. I am convinced that God gave Steve Burns an extra something special magic or something. He routinely turned what might be ordinary into something extraordinary. Whether it was a fishing trip, a ski trip, or a 4th of July picnic - if Steve Burns was involved, it was guaranteed to be fun and memorable. Steve - Thanks for being a mentor and special friend. Thanks for all the adventures, the stories, the lessons, and especially the many laughs and good times. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you Mr. Burns. "
"We always grieve because we cannot keep our dear ones with us longer, but now rejoice that Steve lives in Heaven. We are blessed to have had Mr.B in our lives,and are all better persons because of him... We can only imagine your loving dad casting his rod for Northern Pike in "Northern Heaven." Love, Todd&Judy"
"I'm sure Steve is smiling down on Soldier field. His Bear's are in first place and on the verge of winning the division and hosting a playoff game. I can hear him right now..."Stick it to those Fudge Packers""
"Steve was a good friend for many years. I have so many good memories of all the fun we used to have with Bonnie and Steve and great stories! I can't believe that a lot of the group is now gone - John and Diane Rohleder, Steve and Bonnie. Godspeed good friend and rest in peace."
"We are sorry for your loss. Mr. Burns is very missed by all of us at Heritage. Sincerely, Deb Ingrassia"
"Mark & family, My deepest sympathy to you and your family,my prayers are with you.Remember your dad is in a better place,and he is no longer in any pain,he is resting peacefully. My Prayers are with you, Aunt Joan"
" THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR DAD WITH US IN SO MANY WAYS. OUR MEMORIES ARE MANY AND WE CHERISH THEM ALL. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL. "
"Thanks for being our friend. You now have a whole new world to explore and love. "
"Mark and family, I am sorry to read of your father's death. May God comfort you. Love, cousin Gwen"
"Steve, Thank you for being such an important part of my life. You were such a fun and loving man. I hold very special memories in my heart that will last a life time. You will be missed. Much love, Julie"
"Missing him! He gave me so many great memories and so many opportunites - gifts I could not ever imagine. He connected me with nature and thus I found my career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - protecting lands for wildlife. He gave me a college education to pursue my dreams. He always encouraged and supported me in what I pursued with enthusiam and love. He taught me how to fish, hunt, snow ski, water ski, horseback ride, canoe, camp, and chop wood - just to name a few. He connected me with the wisdom of the AA world - their inspiring people and a life philosophy. I miss him and will use his courage, humor,generousty, determination, compassion, and stregnth to live the most productive and fullfilling life I can. Dad, your sprit remains with me always and my love will always be with you - A spirtual hug to you - CJ "