Norm Burns

Norm Burns, a devoted family man and vibrant presence in every community he touched, passed away peacefully on Oct. 7, 2025, just three weeks shy of his 97th birthday. Over the course of nearly a century, he lived with boundless energy, purpose and generosity.

Born in Fostoria, Ohio, the oldest of five, Dr. Burns built his life around service, family and an enduring zest for life. He earned his undergraduate degree from The University of Toledo and a master of science degree from The Ohio State University. He was a proud alumnus of Phi Delta Theta. He completed his dental degree at The Ohio State College of Dentistry, where he later gave back generously by supporting academic programs and mentoring future dental students.

As a founding member of the Bryan Dental Group in Bryan, Ohio, Norm was a pillar of the community for decades. His patients remember more than just his skilled hands-they recall his warmth, humor and remarkable ability to carry on a cheerful conversation, even when their mouths were full of dental tools.

A die-hard OSU Buckeye and lifelong sports enthusiast, Norm could talk endlessly about games, stats and standout plays. But his most cherished sports memories came from behind the lens-as a sideline photographer for the Bryan Times, capturing the thrill of the game in a remarkable collection of images. Norm was also a known Bryan, Ohio, WBNS Radio Commentator with his on-air show: "The Doctor and the Broadcaster."

Those who knew Norm can attest to the many hats he wore giving back to his profession and The Ohio State University: Member of the Ohio Dental Association, high school science fair judge, OSU dental careers day speaker, president of the Williams County Alumni Association and always-an enthusiastic giver of his time, talents and heart.

Thirty years ago, Norm and his beloved wife, Donna (Stavreff) Burns, relocated to German Village in Columbus, Ohio. They embraced its historic charm and vibrant community life. Norm especially loved his Monday afternoons volunteering at the German Village Visitor Center, welcoming tourists with stories and a smile. He proudly held the title of oldest and longest-serving volunteer of the German Village Society. He rarely missed a Monday and found his way from First Community Village to German Village until August 2025.

"Stormin' Norman" was truly one of a kind-a devoted husband and family man, affectionately known as "Dedo" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled (be astute), the stories he told (often about himself) and the joy he brought to those around him, always able to laugh at himself and inspire others to do the same. Norm is now reunited with his wife, Donna, to whom he was married for 67 years.

A homecoming celebration in Norm's honor will be held on Nov. 2, 2025, from 1:30-4 p.m. at Schoedinger Funeral Home, 1740 Zollinger Rd. Columbus, Ohio,  where family and friends are invited to share memories, laughter and honor a life well lived.

Norm is survived by his siblings, Frederick Burns (Pam Burns), Jeanne Burns Kronbach (the late Jim Kronbach); his children, Jenny Burns Turner (Jay Turner), David Burns (Lori Mansour Burns) and Marty Burns Steen (Wade Steen); nine grandchildren, Evan Turner (Maria Ramos), Annie Turner Donato (Joe Donato), Lindsey Turner Chapman (Ben Chapman), Zachery Steen (Taylor Perrin Steen), Emily Steen Grimm (Kyle Grimm), Erin Steen Stavroff (Jeffrey Stavroff), Taylor Steen, Alec Burns (Lauren Balkema Burns) and Erik Burns; and five great-grandchildren, Hudson Norman Grimm, Joseph Louis Donato Jr., Isla Jean Grimm, Elijah Jeffrey Stavroff and Charles Jay Donato.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to German Village Society: Visitor Center Renovation or the Garten Club of German Village.