William "Bill" Burns

Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Saturday, November 29 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Foreston. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 PM Friday at the church. Interment will be in the St. Louis Cemetery in Foreston. William (Bill) Edward Burns of Milaca, formerly of Foreston MN, passed away the evening of November 24th while at the Hennepin County Medical Center. He was born on January 23rd 1926 to William and Ann (Fitzpatrick) Burns at their home in Foreston MN. He attended school at the District 8 School and graduated from the 8th grade. He traveled to North Dakota to work numerous farm jobs. He joined the Merchant Marines on February 24th 1945. He was drafted into the Army on September 27th, 1950 and was honorably discharged on September 19th 1952. He married Evelyn Marie Jepp on November 7th, 1953 at the St. Louis church of Foreston. They resided in Foreston MN until August of 2008. They moved to Milaca MN in August of 2008. Bill farmed and worked various construction jobs and was a custodian at the Milaca Public school. He loved deer hunting, fishing, and gardening. He enjoyed playing cards especially Cribbage and 500 and he liked to roll dice and play checkers. He especially loved to take his family camping in Big Blue, the converted school bus camper. He cherished his time spent with his family and friends, and teasing his grandchildren and reminiscing and telling stories about the past. After he retired he continued to enjoy his hobbies and he and his wife Evelyn traveled to Texas to spend their winters there. Bill was a member of the Gilman VFW, the Foley and Milaca Legions. At one time he was Post Commander at the Foley Legion. He served on the Foreston Creamery Board. He is survived by his wife Evelyn Burns of Milaca MN. Daughter and grandson Lynda Anderson and Audie Anderson of Salt Lake City, Utah. Son and daughter-in-law and grandsons: Don and Wanda Burns and Travis Burns and Justin Burns of Widefield Colorado. Son and daughter-in-law Ron and Denise Burns and grand-children: Jill and Richard Boswell and great-grand son Blaze, Joe Burns and Traci Burns all of Princeton MN. Daughter and son-in-law Barb and Dave Harms and grandchildren Chris Harms and Toni Harms of St. Cloud MN. Son and daughter-in-law Billy and Teresa Burns and grand-daughter Maria Burns of Foreston MN. Brother and sister-in-laws James and Audrey Burns of Foreston MN, and Jerry and Arnette Burns of Princeton MN. Sister and brother-in-law Mary and Wilbert Miers of St Paul MN. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents: William and Ann; brother John; sister Ann Case; son-in-law Scott Anderson and an infant sister. Casket bearers: Don Burns, Ron Burns, Billy Burns, Dave Harms, Chris Harms, Joe Burns, Travis Burns, Justin Burns. Honorary Casket bearers: Lynda Anderson, Barb Harms, Denise Burns, Teresa Burns, Jill Boswell, Traci Burns, Toni Harms, Maria Burns, Blaze Boswell, Audie Anderson.