Robert Burns

Robert Leon Burns, age 84, of Mankato, died Tuesday, August 26, 2003, at Hillcrest Health Care Center in Mankato. Funeral services will be 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 28, 2003, at Mankato Mortuary, with Rev. Paul Collier officiating. Visitation will be 6-7 p.m., Thursday at the mortuary. Interment will be held on Friday at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery in Mankato. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimers Association.

Robert was born on May 16, 1919, in Mankato to James L. and Kathryn (Eckstein) Burns. He was a 1937 graduate of Mankato High School, and later studied metal working at technical school. Robert was united in marriage to Marguerite Connelly on March 6, 1939, in Naswau, Iowa. He served in the U.S. Army from 1944-1946 during WWII in Italy. Robert was later employed with Williams Brothers Pipeline, until his retirement. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Mankato, and enjoyed fishing, horses, and hunting.

Robert is survived by his wife, Marguerite of Mankato; three children and their spouses, James L. and Pam Burns of Mankato, Jane and Allen Nelson of New Richland, Charles R. and Debra Burns of Mountain Iron, MN; ten grandchildren, Joseph Burns and wife, Deb, Jessica Busch and husband, Brent, Dr. Kristen Nelson, Tracy Ignaszewski and husband, Tim, Wade Nelson and wife, Missy, Casey, Andy and Alex Burns, Rodney, and Katelyn Whight; four great-grandchildren, Cole and Lexie Ignaszewski, Kaden Nelson and Jacqueline Busch.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and seven sisters.