Edward M. Burns 1921-2008

SEENEY, BURNS, FRITZ, BUOL, AVERY, LOWE, PERKINS

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 4/29/2008 at 17:17:54

Edward M. Burns

Edward Morris Burns, 86, of 1665 Scenic View Drive, died Wednesday, March 5, 2008, at Mercy Medical Center-Dubuque.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 7, at First Congregation United Church of Christ. He will be laid to rest in Linwood Cemetery next to the love of his life, Florence Fritz Burns, to whom he was married for 60 years. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. today, at Siegert-Casper Colonial Funeral Home, 390 N. Grandview Ave., and after 10 a.m. Friday, March 7, at the funeral home.

Ed, also known as "Krunkie" by many friends, and as Grandpa Krunkie by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, was born on June 5, 1921, in East Dubuque, Ill., son of Frank and Helen (Seeney) Burns.

He worked for many years at Sears Roebuck & Company. Prior to Sears, Ed worked on the Illinois Central Railroad for 17 years. He told many great stories about his railroad days and travels over the years.

Ed graduated from Galena High School in 1939 and attended the University of Wisconsin Teachers College in Platteville. As a child, he was involved in many adventures and was his mother's model for her patented outfit, "The Teddy Toddler." On May 21, 1942, he married Florence Fritz; she preceded him in death on July 23, 2003.

Ed was very active and belonged to three bowling leagues until his advanced cancer made that impossible. He was a softball pitcher, morel picker, hunter, fisherman and enjoyed watching the dogs at Dubuque Greyhound Park. Ed also was an active member of the Izaak Walton League.

He loved his dog, Jake -- she was his constant companion.

Surviving are his children; James (Sandra) Burns, of Plano, Texas, Helen "Betty" (Ray) Buol, of East Dubuque and Marianne Avery, of Dubuque; 10 grandchildren; Robert (Kathy) Burns, Michael (Nancy) Burns, Melissa (Cliff) Thomasson, Nick (Dawn) Buol, Ryan, Rebecca, Rustin and Rachel Avery, Taylor (Minnie) Avery and Tedd Avery; and his great-grandchildren, Allison and Makela Buol, Gavin and Cassie Thomasson, Matthew, Samantha, Benjamin and Alexandra Burns and Claudia Avery; his sisters, Marion Burns Lowe and Doris Burns Perkins; and his dear friend, Deb Gabriel, who gave both he and his wife years of tender loving care prior to their deaths.

He also was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert F. Burns and Frank L. Burns; his sister; Helen Elizabeth.

Ed's family wishes to thank his neighbors, Pastors Ken and Nancy Bickel, and the doctors, nurses and staff at Wendt Regional Cancer Center and Mercy Medical Center for their care, support and compassion.

Copyright (c) Woodward Communications, Inc. 2008, All Rights Reserved. Dubuque Telegraph Herald, Thursday, March 6, 2008