Robert N. "Bob" Burns

Robert N. "Bob" Burns ObituaryRobert Napoleon Burns 1932-2025
Robert (Bob) Burns, proud father and devoted husband, died peacefully on May 19, nine days after his wife of 65 years, Maureen. He was 92 years old.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest son of Richard and Agnes Picard Burns. He attended Marmion Military Academy High School in Aurora, before graduating from The University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. After college, Bob channeled his passion for aviation by joining the United States Air Force where he finished in the top of his class. Bob attributed the Air Force for cultivating discipline, leadership, and a sense of duty that guided him throughout his life. Following his military service, Bob attended law school at DePaul University in Chicago before pursuing a career as an airline pilot with Northwest Orient Airlines where he retired as a Boeing 747 captain.
In 1960, Bob met and married Maureen Helen Barrett, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, partnership, and countless travel adventures. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family and laughter. He is survived by children Sheila Zats (Terry), Kevin Burns (Ada), Patrica Burns, and Kathleen Daniels (David); grandchildren Jorge Burns, Kaily Burns, Melissa Burns, Lucia Zats, and Shawna Zats. Preceded in death by
wife: Maureen Helen Burns, parents: Richard & Agnes Burns, brother: Richard (Polly) Burns and sister: Agnes (John) O'Dwyer
Bob was dedicated to service and applied his talents to St. John's Catholic Church, Excelsior Knights of Columbus and Lion's Club of Port Wing where he coordinated the annual fishing contest and fundraiser. He was a gifted storyteller who captivated these organizations with tales from the cockpit, his numerous outdoor adventures, and fishing whoppers from the helm of The Reel Deal on Lake Superior.
An avid outdoorsman, Bob found peace and purpose in nature. He especially loved fishing on Lake Minnetonka, Lake Mille Lacs, and Lake Superior-waters that brought him both adventure and serenity. He was also a passionate hunter who cherished time spent in the stillness of the woods. Among his greatest pleasures was working the pheasant fields with his beloved hunting dogs, whose energy, loyalty, and drive brought him endless joy.
A joint celebration of life will be held for Bob and Maureen at St. Therese Catholic Church in Deephaven Tuesday May 20th. Visitation 11:30-12:30. Mass at 12:30 with lunch to follow. Service will be livestreamed on St. Therese website and available on demand afterward. (https://www.st-therese.org/live)
Robert Napoleon Burns 1932-2025
Robert (Bob) Burns, proud father and devoted husband, died peacefully on May 19, nine days after his wife of 65 years, Maureen. He was 92 years old.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest son of Richard and Agnes Picard Burns. He attended Marmion Military Academy High School in