William H. 'Bill' Burns, 89
William H. “Bill” Burns, 89, of Cedar Rapids, died Friday March 16, 2018, at Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. Funeral Mass, Noon, Wednesday, at St. Jude’s Catholic Church by Rev. Mark Reasoner. Military honors provided by American Legion 727. Burial: Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A Vigil Service will be held 3 p.m., Tuesday at Teahen Funeral Home where friends may visit with the family Tuesday, from 3 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday after 11:30 a.m. at the church.
Bill is survived by his wife Leota; two daughters, Joyce (Patrick) Duffy of Waldo, WI and June (Robert) Ellis of Marion; two sons, David (Debra) of San Jose, CA, and Daniel (Kay) of Marion; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Robert (Laura Lee) of Cedar Rapids, and Patrick (Catherine) of Ames; and a sister-in-law, Marilyn Burns of Sun City, AZ.
Bill was preceded in death by a son, Douglas; two sisters, Mary (Jim) Dolan and Elizabeth (Merle) Hoffman; and two brothers, James and Joseph.
Bill was born in Lawler, IA on July 8, 1928, the son of Patrick Nonatus Burns and Mary Ellen “Nellie” Scallon. He started his education in a rural country school and was a 1946 graduate of New Hampton High school. Bill served in the Army from 1950 to 1952 in the Korean War where he was stationed in Tokyo, Japan with a military police group as well as a vehicle maintenance group. He married Leota Catherine Miller on December 27, 1952 in Waterloo. Bill used his GI Bill to become educated in the auto body and fender repair trade where he worked for 12 years. He then decided he wanted to work for himself, bought a printing press, and in 1964 Bill Burns Printing Company was born. He continued to work in the printing industry as well as his own photography business until his mid 70’s. He was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion.
Having grown up on a farm, Bill enjoyed many pets and animals, but his favorite was a cat named DC (Darn Cat!) He always loved gatherings with friends and family. He liked to square dance, was an avid card player, and enjoyed hanging out with his friends at the Knights of Columbus. His hobbies included photography, antique cars, John Deere tractors, and old reruns on TV. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and enjoyed a visit to Ireland in 2005. He always loved St. Patrick’s Day! Bill was a devoted Catholic and attended daily Mass for most of his life.
Bill will be fondly remembered by all who knew him for his kind heart, warm smile, good natured humor and his creative prankster ways. He treasured people’s friendships and always focused on the good things in life.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.teahenfuneralhome.com
