Obituary of Robert Burns

Robert John Burns, the son of Tom and Cecil (Beacom) Burns, was born on March 4, 1924 in Sheldon, Iowa. He spent his childhood years in the Melvin and Moneta, Iowa areas. He graduated from Moneta High School in 1942. Following graduation he joined the Merchant Marines. Bob married Norma Jean Weiss on June 7, 1951 at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Sanborn, Iowa. They became the parents of three children: Karen, Dennis and Jeanne. The couple spent their entire married life farming in the Everly and Hartley areas. Norma Jean passed away on November 3, 1989. Bob married Myrna “Babe” Colling on November 23, 1991. Babe passed away on January 27, 2005. In April of this year, Bob’s health began to decline, and he moved to the Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley. He passed away there on May 28, 2009 at the age of 85. Bob enjoyed his life as a farmer, as well as golfing, bowling, fishing, hunting and even a little gambling. He had a very special place in his heart for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was active in the community, including the Meadowbrook Golf Board, Knights of Columbus, and served as a National Weather Service Reporter. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and for many years served as Director of the church. Left to cherish his memory are his children: Karen Conlon of Spencer, Iowa, Dennis (Julee) Burns of Hartley, Jeanne Burns of Council Bluffs, Iowa; grandchildren: Ryan (Dawn) Burns, Jonathan (Libby) Burns, Nicole Burns, Adam Burns and Matthew (Molly) Conlon; great-grandchildren: Dylan, Austin, and Jackson Burns; step-children: Susan Amosson, Ronda (Ron) Gruhn and Joan (Jim) Thompson; step-grandchildren: Aaron Amosson, Emily Cauley, Betsy Benson, Allison Vande Griend, Rachel and Ellen Meerdink; step-great grandchildren: Brigg Benson and Peyton Cauley; his sister, Mary Negus; sister-in-law: Vi Burns and brother-in-law, Ed Weiss; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Norma Jean, his second wife Babe; two brothers Earl and Donald Burns; a son-in-law Jim Conlon, a brother-in-law, Darrell Negus, and sister-in-law Mary Weiss. A Celebration of Life 0f Robert John Burns Born ~ March 4, 1924 Died ~ May 28, 2009 Age ~ 85 years 2 months 24 days Funeral Service 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 1, 2009 St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Hartley, Iowa Officiating ~ Father Robert Gralapp Father William Wingert Organist ~ Donna Ahlers Soloist ~ Andrea Orthmann Singing ~ “O Loving God” Congregational Singing Processional ~ “On Eagle’s Wing’s” #439 “How Great Thou Art” #413 “Be Not Afraid” #434 “Song of farewell” #681 Recessional ~ “Amazing Grace” 442 Pallbearers Ryan & Dawn Burns Jon & Libby Burns Nicole Burns Adam Burns Matt & Molly Conlon Honorary Pallbearers Aaron Amosson Emily Cauley Betsy Benson Allison Vande Griend Rachel Meerdink Ellen Meerdink Dylan Burns Austin Burns Jackson Burns Ushers Ray Ahlers Roland Lenz Interment Pleasant View Cemetery Hartley, Iowa