Joseph Burns' Obituary
Joseph Louis Burns, age 80, passed away peacefully Monday, October 14, at University of Michigan -Metro Health West in Grand Rapids surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Florence (Hogan) Burns; brothers Bill, Larry, Gerry and John; and by his mother and father-in-law, Jack and Dona Robinson. He is survived by his wife Patricia Burns, children Keely Burns, Ryan (Jessica) Burns, Nathan (Marianna) Burns, Tim (Nicole) Burns and Corey (Bethany) Burns; grandchildren Kyra, Liam, Ava, Sloan, Chloe and Willa Burns; siblings Donald (Maureen) Burns, Matt (Judy) Burns, Mary Lou (Joel) Black, Julie (Mike) Devereaux, Rosie (John) Horrigan, Luann (Bob) Potts, sisters-in-law, Jeanne, Pam and Marion, and many nieces and nephews.
Joe was born June 26, 1944, on a farm in Hubbardston, Michigan, where he was raised with his 10 siblings and many cousins and other relatives nearby. It was there with his large family that he developed a deep pride in his Irish heritage and Catholic faith. After graduating from St. Mary’s High School in Carson City, Joe attended Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, graduating in 1966. He was then drafted into the United States Army in 1966 and spent the next 3 years at different locations throughout the US and Europe until he was discharged in 1969. At that time, he returned to Carson City where he taught math and coached basketball, and eventually enrolled at Central Michigan University to pursue an MBA. He began his professional career at Touche Ross & Co. in Grand Rapids. His experience as a public accountant provided the foundation for a long career in the private sector in the construction and trucking industries. He spent several years working with his father-in-law in marine construction and eventually moved over to the other side of the dock to spend thirty-nine years working for the Verplank family in their trucking and dock companies.
Along the way, Joe continued his education related pursuits as he taught accounting courses at Grand Valley State University and received his Juris Doctorate from Cooley Law School.
Proud to be a member of the local business community, Joe was able to give back by sitting on various boards throughout his career including serving as a trustee for the North Ottawa Community Hospital.
Joe was an active member of St Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake for nearly 50 years serving as a eucharistic minister and usher, and volunteering on different committees and fundraisers for the church and school. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Spring Lake Rotary Club, and the American Legion, the Spring Lake Country Club and he served as the treasurer of his homeowners association.
Joe married Patricia Robinson on October 10th, 1975, in Spring Lake. His greatest joy in life was his family and he spent as much time as he could coaching his kids in sports and other school clubs, and later in life, watching his grandkids play many of those same sports. Despite all of his success and accolades, when asked what he was most proud of, he always mentioned family first.
A memorial mass will be held on Thursday October 24th at 11:00AM at St Mary’s Catholic Church (406 E Savidge, Spring Lake MI 49456) and a visitation with the family will be held 1 hour prior to the service. Military honors will be accorded Joseph by the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post # 28 Honor Guard. Arrangements entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St Mary’s Catholic Church
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