Terrance Robert Burns

The Big Kahuna, Weatherby, Web, Dad, Papa Terry, Grandpa, Uncle, Cousin, Friend, Veteran, Terry.  All who knew him also simply referred to him as “TB”.  On Monday, October 23, 2023, the world lost a legend as Terrance Robert Burns passed away peacefully with his family present following a courageous bout with Alzheimer’s disease. 

TB was born to Robert and Rosemary (Reimer) Burns on May 22, 1946, the second oldest of 6 siblings, including sisters Sharon, Judy and Wendy and brothers Dan and Mark.  Growing up, TB was a great role model to his siblings, even if he did enjoy tormenting them every once in a while.  Beyond his studies, TB enjoyed participating in several sports and was well regarded as a local speedskating legend on the tracks of the Division Street ice rink.  

While attending college, TB was lucky enough to meet the love of his life, Mary Jo O’Loughlin.  After graduating from Spencerian College in Milwaukee with a business degree, he married his college sweetheart on August 23, 1969. Shortly after, he began serving in the Army and was sent to fight in the Vietnam War. TB earned a purple heart among other honors during his service to our country.  

After returning from Vietnam, TB and Mary Jo first settled back in their hometown of Fond du lac, Wisconsin and had four amazing kids, Shannon, Sean, Sarah and Shane.  To support his growing family, TB took a full-time job working as a conductor on the Soo Line Railroad, a place he’d end up working for nearly 40 years and where many of his coworkers became lifelong friends. 

TB always prioritized spending time with his family and kids, passing along his sporting prowess to his kids.  He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, softball, volleyball, and spending time outdoors with friends and family. 

After 20 years living in Fond du Lac, TB and Mary Jo had the opportunity to relocate their family with the Soo Line and chose the Twin Cities in Minnesota primarily so their kids would have greater career opportunities after college.  They settled in the suburb of Cottage Grove and over the next 30 years, they grew deep roots in the community, supporting their kids in their academic and athletic pursuits, were active member of the local golf scene, and were incredibly generous in allowing many in the community access to their swimming pool.  He always told his grandkids and others that used the pool, “you may not remember Papa Terry, but you will always remember Papa Terry’s pool”. 

Some of TB’s biggest talents were in the areas of carpentry, woodworking and home improvement.  These were talents he shared freely with friends and family, sometimes taking on BIG projects to help those in need of his talents.  He also took time to pass along those gifts to others by taking the time to teach the necessary skills to “do things the right way”. TB most enjoyed making gifts for his grandkids, including wooden racing cars as well as solid wood rocking horses that will be family heirlooms for generations to come. 

TB is survived by his amazing wife, Mary Jo Burns (O’Loughlin) of Cottage Grove, MN; his children, Shannon (Jenny) Burns of Whitefish Bay, WI, Sean (Kim) Burns of Cottage Grove, MN, Sarah (Denny) Neitz of Cottage Grove, MN and Shane (Jen) of San Diego, CA.; his siblings Sharon (Doug) Terrill of Fond du Lac, WI, Judy (Rev. Bob) Gurgel of Milwaukee, WI, Dan (Michelle) Burns of Kenosha, WI, Mark (Karen) Burns of Oshkosh, WI, and Wendy (Rich) Petak of Fond du Lac, WI; seven grandchildren including Mikaela, Abby, Max, Kacie, Jack, Truxton and Beau; brother-in-law Shawn (Janet) O’Loughlin of Venice, FL, sister-in-law Carol (late Bob) Smart of Waukesha, WI; and many, many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Rosemary Burns; sister-in-law Janet Merz and brothers-in-law Jim, David and Dan O’Loughlin. 

A remembrance of life celebration for TB will be held Thursday, November 16th, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at River Oaks Golf Course, 11099 US-61, Cottage Grove, MN 55016.  There will also be a burial ceremony on Saturday, November 18th, 2023 at 2:00 PM at St. Charles Cemetery, W4287 Golf Course Dr., Fond du Lac, WI 54935, followed by a remembrance of life celebration from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Ledgeview Lanes, 170 N. Prairie Rd., Fond Du Lac, WI 54935. 

In lieu of flower donations, the family is requesting donations to 1) Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity www.tchabitat.org to celebrate TB’s passion for home improvement; or 2) Northeast Wisconsin Honor Flight program at www.oldgloryhonorflight.org to celebrate TB’s veteran status. 

The entire family would like thank the staff at United Hospital (Floor 8900) in St. Paul, MN, Hospice of the Midwest in Woodbury, MN, and New Perspectives in Woodbury, MN, who all played a key role in providing outstanding care for TB throughout his journey and end of life care.