Michael Denis Burns

BURNS, Michael Denis; of  Holland, Ohio formerly of Plymouth, MI born on January 30, 1941 in Defiance, Ohio to Albert and Agnes Burns; passed away on February 8, 2025 at the age of 84;

husband of Sallee (Simkins) for 61 years; father of Kristin (Robert) Lewelling, Michael (Colleen) Burns and Jeffrey (Shari) Burns,; grandfather of Kane Lewelling, Jacob (Hannah Alexander) Lewelling, Grace (fiancé Grayson Teaff), Thomas Burns, Alexander Burns and Lillian Burns; brother of Timothy (Kathy) Burns, Barbara (the late Ralph) Lach, the late Patrick (the late June) Burns and the late JoAnn Huber; brother in law of Ronald (Kathy) Simkins and late Thomas (Barbara) Simkins. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Mike married his high school sweetheart Sallee Simkins Burns on August 24, 1963. They moved to an apartment in Columbus Ohio where he finished up his undergraduate degree in Finance from The Ohio State University. Upon graduation he accepted a position with The National Bank of Detroit in 1965. During his career with NBD, he enrolled at The Detroit College of Law and earned his Juris Doctor Law Degree. He continued with his employment at NBD and was with them for a total of 18 years. As a career change, Mike took a position as team leader for the Defined Contribution Team, then later assumed the role of the Director of Marketing for The Wyatt Company in Detroit, Michigan. He worked with them until his retirement in 1997. After being retired for a short period of time, Mike was offered a position in Toledo Ohio with Findley Davies as the Director of Employee Benefits. At that time, he and Sallee relocated to Stone Oak Village in Holland Ohio. It was a wonderful community and neighborhood that they truly loved being a part of for many years. While enjoying his retirement from Findley Davies he was invited to take the position as acting Interim Director for the Toledo Zoo.  This was an experience that Mike truly loved and enjoyed.  It was because of this experience, he then shared his love for the Toledo Zoo with his kids, grandkids, and many people that touched his life. Mike had a very deep passion and love for helping people. He was always willing to help anyone at a moment's notice. He would go above and beyond the call of duty for anything that was needed by family, friends, neighbors, or strangers. Mike will be greatly missed by his loving wife Sallee, children, grandchildren, friends and the many people in his community. May he Rest in Peace with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

A Memorial Service will be Friday, June 6th at 12:30pm at Epworth United Methodist Church, 4855 Central Avenue, Toledo, Ohio with visiting beginning at 11:30am

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Toledo Zoo

Please leave a memory or condolence on Mike's online guestbook below.