John R. Burns
John R. Burns was born on July 6, 1936, to James L. and Gertrude (Molloy) Burns. He grew up on a farm near Emmetsburg and graduated from Emmetsburg Catholic High School in 1954. Upon graduation, he began serving in the United States Army. He ended his service to his country in May 1957. On February 7, 1959, he married Mary K. Goddard at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Emmetsburg, Iowa. On February 25, 2005, John died peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife Mary, his five children and Father Paul Eisele. John enjoyed a successful career in the real estate and insurance business in Algona. In 1973, he became a Chartered Life Underwriter, one of the most prestigious distinctions in the life insurance industry. In 1977, John became co-owner of Stueve Construction Company, Inc., and in 2001 he became the sole owner. As Chief Executive Officer, John built the company into a national and international leader in the construction of dry fertilizer storage facilities. Under his guidance, the company employs 150 people, does business in 42 states, and carries an international presence. John is survived by his wife, Mary and five children: Mary Beth (Steve) Hilbert of ...[more]View Full Online Obituary and Tributes
ermore, Jack (Lori) Burns of Algona, Dan (fiancé Aicia Brincks) Burns of Algona, Sheila (Doug) Boelter of Fort Dodge and Amy (Tom) Elsbecker of Algona. He is also survived by five brothers and one sister: brother Robert (Therese) Burns of Allen Park, Mich.; brother James (Bea) Burns of Omaha, Neb.; brother Thomas (Shirley) Burns of Omaha, Neb.; sister Arlene (Leo) Conway of Emmetsburg; Reverend Laurence Burns of Fort Dodge; Joseph (Marilyn) Burns of Milwaukee, Wis. and his aunt Viola Molloy of Emmetsburg. John is also survived by his most treasured possessions, his 10 grandchildren: Stephanie, Melissa, and Megan Hilbert; John, James, and Annie Burns; Zachary and Jenna Boelter; and Blake and Gracie Elsbecker. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, niece Cathy Burns and sister-in-law Patty Burns, mother-in-law, Pearl Elbert, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joanne and Bill Doyle.
