George Raymond Burns, age 85, of Cambridge passed away September 15, 2008 at Grace Pointe Crossing/Grandview Christian Home in Cambridge. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, September 19th at Christ the King Catholic Church in Cambridge with Father James David Hahn as Celebrant. A visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 18th at Strike Funeral Home – Cambridge Chapel.Private intermentat Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
George Raymond Burns was born December 20, 1922 at Northcote, Minnesota to George Andrew and Diana (Laroche) Burns. He was raised in St. Vincent and Hallock and graduated from Hallock High School in 1942. George served his country in the US Navy during WWII. He later reenlisted and served in the Navy again during the Korea conflict. After his service he settled in Minneapolis where he met Eloise Burfeind. They were married and made their home in Minneapolis. George worked as a supervisor in industrial rubber manufacturing for many years and later worked in maintenance at Walker Methodist Health Center.
George and Eloise enjoyed camping and they regularly camped at Springvale Campground. They enjoyed the area so much they moved to Cambridge after retiring 21 years ago. George also enjoyed golfing and he worked part-time at Grandy 9 Golf Course. Music was a big part of his life, playing trumpet in high school band and the military band in the Navy, going ashore when in port to play at the USO’s before heads of state, dignitaries, and movie stars. As ship’s bugler, he lost many bugles overboard due to practical jokers that didn’t want him to play reveille. In later years, he led many sing-alongs wit his ukulele.
George will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Eloise; three daughters, Diana (Steve) Rockstad of Blaine, Annette (Gregg) Borer of St. Bonifacious, Lisa (Steve) Capistrant of Maple Grove; one son, Mark (Terri) Burns of Brooklyn Center; a step-daughter, Terry Hunder of Santa Rosa, California; seven grandchildren, Dan Burns, Jaclyn Burns, Christopher Burns, Emily Rockstad, Nicholas Rockstad, Zachary Borer and Abigail Capistrant; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, by an infant son, Cletus; eight brothers and sisters.
Bruce & Mary Deinken says
We were so sorry to hear about George’s passing, but were very lucky to have him as a relative for all these years. He was a wonderful man and we will miss him greatly at future Family Reunions and other family functions. We know what a sad time this is for all of you and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Bruce & Mary Deinken
Glen & Patty Cole says
Mark, knowing you the last 16 years I would liked to have met your father. You must have got your good hummer from him, after reading about the bugles he lost over board.
I hope the times with your dad last forever in your thoughts, it’s what makes you smile in the morning or when you are hurting from something you can’t control. He will be there with you laughing.
Our deepest condolences go out to you and your family.
Sarah Hord says
Burns family, I am saddened to hear of George’s passing. I have thought about him so many times over the years. He was such a lovely gentleman. My heart overflows as I imagine the ukulele, the singing and the music that most certainly is being played in Heaven right now,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Sarah Hord
Bloomington, MN