Karl J Burns

Karl Joseph Burns, age 87, of Pickerington, Ohio, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025. He was born on May 5, 1938, in Fostoria, Ohio, to the late Arthur and Marcella Burns.

Karl earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Indiana Institute of Technology. He proudly served his country in the United States Army Infantry, where he was deployed to Korea. Following his service, Karl built a distinguished career in telecommunications engineering. He began his work with RCA and later continued with Northern Telecom, ITT, and United Telecom, ultimately retiring as a Vice President at Sprint.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Joan Brenamen, Floyd Burns, Marilyn Burns and Ray Burns.

Karl married the love of his life, Judith Ann (Traunero) Burns, and together they raised a beautiful family. He is survived by his children, Joe (Kim) Burns, Cindy (Joe) Andrus, Lisa (Eric) Serrano, Steve (Betsy) Burns, and Scott (Stephanie) Burns. He was a proud grandfather to Katie Andrus (Denis) Petrovic, Jessica Serrano (Dylan) Seeley, Erin Andrus (Nick) Masur, Melissa Serrano, Rebecca Serrano, Jackson (Kalina) Burns, Nick Andrus, Sabrina Serrano, Angie Burns, Jonathon Serrano, Ellie Burns, Annabelle Burns, Blake Burns, Brooklyn Burns, Hadley Burns, and Colton Burns. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Olivia Petrovic, Leo Masur, Lily Masur, Amelia Petrovic, Emma Masur and baby Seeley on the way. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

Karl loved his family deeply and found joy in bringing everyone together at the lake and on family vacations. A man of many talents, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, farming, beekeeping, and attending local and state fairs. He had a warm and welcoming spirit and never met a stranger. Karl was always ready with a smile, a story, or a piece of helpful advice for anyone working on a project.

He was a longtime member of the Elks Lodge, a Master Gardener during his years in Arizona, a dedicated volunteer with the Boy Scouts, and a 4-H advisor. And in true Karl fashion, he especially loved going out to breakfast-a simple joy that brought him great happiness. Karl's presence, wisdom, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 18, from 12:00PM to 2:00PM with military honors to follow at 2:15 PM at the Dwayne R Spence funeral home, 550 Hill Rd N. Pickerington, Ohio, 43147. At 3:00PM the Memorial Mass will be held next door at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 600 Hill Rd N, Pickerington, OH 43147. Flowers are appreciated, and for those wishing to honor Karl in another way, memorial contributions to Mary's Meals or St. Jude's are also welcomed.