Burns, Thomas R.

Thomas R. Burns, age 64, of Waupaca, passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2011. He was born on April 29, 1947 in Milwaukee, the son of Dr. Robert and Mary Virginia (Moore) Burns. Tom grew up in Kimberly where he attended Holy Name Church and Grade School; graduated from Xavier High School in 1966; graduated from UW-Oshkosh in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and Human Services; earned the degree of Master of Science in Communicative Disorders from UW-Stevens Point. He worked as a Speech and Language Pathologist in the Manawa and Weyauwega schools the Weyauwega/ Fremont School. Music was an important part of his life. Tom learned to play guitar while in high school and he loved his life as a performer, singing and playing his guitar and banjo with a group or solo. He loved being able to perform with his dad and two brothers at various events, especially near St. Patrick’s Day, calling their Irish group “The Burns Boys and sometimes Dad”. He enjoyed the Packers, golfing, fishing, hunting, and woodcrafting. Tom loved his family. His grandchildren were the light of his life. Thomas is survived by his father: Dr. Robert Burns, Kimberly; son: Brian Burns, Waupaca; daughter: Molly Burns (significant other Jason Smith) Waupaca; grandchildren: Calysta Richards and Brendan Richards; sisters: Honore (Thomas) Greenwald, Lake Geneva; Katie (Dr. Edward) Bekx, Kimberly and Maggie Burns, Manitowoc; sister-in-law: Shelley Weinberger Burns, King; and former spouse: Joanne Ehrhardt, Appleton. He is further survived by his “adopted family” Kassy Etzig, Dasia Franz, and Ashtyn Kenitz as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Tom was preceded in death by his mother: Mary Virginia “Ginny” Burns; two brothers: Mike Burns and Pat Burns; grandparents: Florence and George Moore; Florence and Dan Burns; uncles: Art Lauer, Jack Burns and Jack Moore; and aunts: Rose Marie Burns and Joan Moore. The funeral liturgy for Thomas was held at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at St. Clare Parish – Askeaton Site, 7830 St. Pat’s Church Road. Father Dennis Bergsbaken officiated. Interment will take place at the parish cemetery. The visitation was held on Wednesday at the church from 3:00 pm until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the family. Jansen Fargo Funeral Home, 204 E. Kimberly Ave., Kimberly 920-788-6202 Online condolences www.wichmannfargo.com