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1947 - 2022

BORN

1947

DIED

2022

Charles Burney Obituary

Charles Burney

Dec. 27, 1947 - June 3, 2022

RED LAKE - Charles Burney, 74, passed away unexpectedly on June 3, 2022. He was born to Claude and Dorothea Burney in Ilion, NY. He received a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and a master's degree in Water Resource Management.

In 1971 he joined the Peace Corps and spent two years in Nairobi, Kenya where he met his wife, Sharyn who he married in 1974. He cherished his Peace Corp experience working on projects to supply clean drinking water. He spent his career working for the Wisconsin DNR in Water Resource Management and Land Management.

He loved being a dad and shared his love of the outdoors with camping trips and fishing. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, Hazel and Charlie, and playing hide and seek or monster.

He enjoyed fishing, bowling, and golfing with his many friends and made them laugh with his sense of humor. Another passion was fishing on the lake at his cabin in Northern Wisconsin. He was always willing to help friends with computer problems and handy-man tasks (except plumbing).

He is survived by his wife, Sharyn; daughter, Sarah Burney; son, David Burney; daughter-in-law, Laura Burney; grandchildren: Hazel and Charlie Burney; sisters: Sandra Burney, Patricia Burney (Tom Parkhurst) and Sharon Eckler (Butch); niece, Mary Hardee (Jamie); children: Kaitlyn and Sean; nephew, Michael Eckler (Stacey); children: Vincent and Hanna.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Claude and Dorothea; and brother-in-law, Butch Eckler.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, we suggest making a donation to the Salvation Army or the Second Harvest Food Pantry.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Madison.com on Jun. 14, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Burney

11 Entries

Chuck Brendecke

August 5, 2022

I was in Kenya with Chuck. I always appreciated his serenity and understated sense of humor. I will miss him.

Margaret kane

July 12, 2022

My message is so very different than the others as I knew wonderful chuck in a different capacity.....as the husband of my dear cousin.
So many of you do not know this but the lovely throw pillows that we ladies love to put on our sofas drove him crazy! He didn´t understand all the pillows, but when placed beautifully on the sofa they left nowhere to sit!! Sherry, I was gonna bring you one in his memory but that would be too weird!!!!
The world lost one of the good guys , that´s for sure, and I just hope there are no throw pillows in heaven!

Beth Getman

June 22, 2022

I was so sad to read about Chuck's passing. I remember the last time I saw him. It was August 1997 while my late husband and kids were camping in Waukesha County. Chuck was at the lake in the campground, probably in his capacity as a DNR employee. He was so in his element---loving the outdoors and keeping it all clean and beautiful for generations to come. My heartfelt sympathy goes to Sherry, Sarah, and David. We all lost a good man.

Mike Bridwell

June 21, 2022

So sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. He was a great guy. There's weren't enough people like Chuck in this world as it is, and now we're all worse off. We look forward to attending his celebration of life ceremony if possible. His life was certainly worth celebrating.

Mike & Carol Poquette

June 21, 2022

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

David Ives

June 15, 2022

Chuck and I worked together on many water-based projects when I was in Fisheries at the DNR. We had GREAT conversations on our road trips to and from these projects. He was one of the finest men I ever worked with.

Ted Bosch

June 14, 2022

I worked with Chuck at the DNR. He was a good man to work with, I always valued his opinion.

Judy Gottlieb

June 14, 2022

Chuck was a wonderful human being. Along with a number of other extraordinarily talented scientists, he played an invaluable role in building wastewater and water quality staff teams at Wis DNR, which were second to none in the country, not just in the quality of their work, but in the depth of the friendships that were formed as people worked together. Those teams led in creative implementation of the Clean Water Act, not just in Wisconsin, but also set an example around the country. It is hard to find the words to express what a gifted and generous man he was and how much he was loved by all who worked with him at Wis DNR. We were so blessed to have him as a leader and friend, and I hold his family and dearest friends in my heart as they reckon with the pain of his loss.

John Pfender

June 14, 2022

To the family, I am very sorry for your loss. Chuck was my Section Chief at DNR and I had great respect and admiration for him. Environmental protection is never an easy task, and Chuck was very supportive of our individual day-to-day efforts and ideas. He connected with us a people as much as workers. Chuck is one of those people that come to mind when reminiscing about our DNR family. Simply put, he was a great guy and a wise leader.

Lorene (Haessig) Kowalsky

June 14, 2022

Sharyn, I am deeply sorry for your loss. When it is so sudden and unexpected it must be even more difficult to assimilate. I hope you can find solace and strength in your memories.

Christina (Fraley) Burzinski

June 14, 2022

I am SO sorry to hear of Charlie's passing! He was always so sweet! I remember playing at their house when we were kids and him helping out with girl scouts too. I was lucky enough to catch up with him a few years ago, right after you moved from the house on Kenosha. He will definitely be missed! My family sends you our love!

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