George Burns Jr.

George Thomas Burns Jr., died on December 28, 2024 at Brookdale Senior Living, at the age of 82. George was born on January 18, 1942, in Winona, MN, to George Sr. and Thecla (Thesing) Burns. He grew up in Wyattville and attended Lewiston High School, where he laid the foundation for a life filled with hard work.

On October 26, 1963, George married the love of his life, Mary Czaplewski. Together, they built a life rich with laughter, love, and adventure. George took pride in running the family farm for 26 years before selling it and transitioning to work in construction alongside his brothers at Burns Builders. He later became a valuable part of the team at Key Realty before retiring from RTP.

George was not just hard-working; he lived life to the fullest. He had a passion for card games, especially thirty-one and euchre, and enjoyed challenging friends and family during horseshoe and softball tournaments. A true Minnesota sports fan, George cheered on the MN Vikings and MN Twins with unmatched enthusiasm. He loved traveling to places like Hawaii, California, Arizona, Florida, and Las Vegas, creating cherished memories along the way.

George is survived by his daughter Wendy (Thomas) Erdmann; grandkids, Matthew, April, and step-grandson, Derik Bischel; brothers, Tim Burns of Dallas, TX, William (Marion) Burns of Winona, Jim (Sue) Burns of Winona, Denny (Donna) Burns of Winona/Florida; sister, Rita Norton of Lake City, Mary (Joe) Speltz of Winona; sisters-in-law, Gloria Burns of Rochester, Jean Czaplewski of Winona; brothers-in-law, Lawrence Putzier of St. Charles, LeRoy Czaplewski of Winona; and many nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Anthony Burns, Pat Burns; sisters, Thecla, Kathleen, Darlene; brothers-in-law, Ron Czaplewski, Bob Schossow, Frank Norton, John Bauer, Roy Huebner; sisters-in-law, Nell Burns and Katie Czaplewski. 

Visitation will be on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at St. Rose of Lima in Lewiston, MN from 5pm - 7pm with the recitation of the Rosary at 7pm. The funeral service will be on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 1:30pm at St. Rose of Lima in Lewiston with a visitation 1-hour prior beginning at 12:30pm. Interment will take place at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery. 

Funeral Services will be livestreamed. To watch remotely, please follow the link below. 

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczNTY5MjM5OTM0MzQwMSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==