Mary Lou "LuLu" Burns

1939 - 2026

Mary Lou Burns, 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 26, 2026 in Appleton, WI. She was born on January 29, 1939, in Green Bay, WI the daughter of the late Aphonse and Mary (Schrevens) Van Ess. She attended Annunciation grade school, Green Bay West High School, and she briefly attended UW Whitewater.
On October 29,1960 she married James Burns and they had two children, Lisa and Mike.
Mary Lou worked for 35 years at the Oshkosh Area School District as a secretary. First at Oshkosh North High school for 7 years and then Lincoln School for 28 years. She loved her job and made some of her closest friendships with the people there. Her second family was her "Lincoln family" and she loved them dearly.
LuLu, as she was most commonly known, always put her family first! Mom loved attending all sporting events, from her own children's activities to her grandchildren, nieces & nephews, whoever she could support! Watching & cheering would bring so much joy to her heart. But, she truly was our biggest cheerleader in all aspects of our lives.
Mom was an avid Packers, Brewers & Badgers Fan! She and Jim were longtime Packer season ticket holders. Her love of the Packers led to many road trip adventures with her treasured friend Judy. (Thelma & Louise as they were often referred to) LuLu loved to downhill ski, she shared that passion w/ her children, grandchildren and she herself skied her last mountain run at 80 years old in Colorado. Mom loved to read, play bridge & knit but found the most joy spending time with family. She was past President of OASD Facility Wives and served on the Dare Advisory Board. She volunteered at the Paine Art Center and Gardens and was the Elks Ladies Treasurer. She was proud of her Belgian heritage and made several trips there to visit relatives. Lulu loved to travel; from grand adventures to small get away weekends with her friends or family. One of her favorites may have been her Rita weekends (time spent w/ her Kindergarten bestie). Lulu loved people and she was blessed with so many truly outstanding friends. We are so thankful for all the kindness and support they have shown. Mom loved to share her sparkle wherever she went. She lived her life to the fullest and all who knew her, were better for it. She will be missed dearly.
Mary Lou is survived by her husband Jim; daughter Lisa (Tim) Otto; son Mike (Heather) Burns; grandchildren Taylor (Ashley) Otto, Kenzie Otto; step grandchildren Brittney (Steve) Berryman, Olivia (Ben) Hurlburt, Jared (Jackie) Martin, Josh (Kelly) Martin; sister Carol (Van Ess) Jensen; several nieces and nephews and her great grandchildren; Addie, Charlie, Jack, Lucy Amelia and Cameron.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim's parents (Ralph & Grace), her brother & his wife (Bill & Nancy), sister & her husband (Phylis & Fling), her brother-in-law Bill, Niece Linda and Nephew Mike.
Services will be held at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Homes Westside (100 Lake Pointe Dr) on May 6, 2026 at 5PM. A time of visitation will be held from 3PM until the time of service.
From mom….."I loved life and my family to the moon and back"