Robert (Bob) Burns, entered this world on July 23, 1952, and departed on his birthday, July 23, 2026. This is fitting for a man who celebrated life every day.
Bob grew up in Rushford and Caledonia with his parents Bob and Edy, and his sister Jane. From a young age, he was known as a loyal friend who was fun-loving, mischievous, and always ready for an adventure. At the ripe age of 15, Bob rode his motorcycle to the Wisconsin Dells, where he lived with friends in a converted garage while working for the summer to “save money” – an adventure that perfectly reflected his independent spirit and outgoing nature.
Bob graduated from Caledonia High School in 1970 and went on to earn his associate’s degree from WWTC. He had a knack for numbers and joined the family business Burns and Burns Accounting. From there his career path led him to construction management and working for Mathy Construction Company for 37 years. Throughout his career he led road crews and estimated asphalt projects from large state highways to individual driveways. Bob was known for always having a pencil behind his ear, dog treats in his pocket and taking time to share a quick joke, a friendly conversation, and a warm smile.
Bob was an active member of his community as a 20-year volunteer firefighter, 8-year Caledonia City Council member, 17-year mayor of Caledonia, and 6-year Houston County Commissioner. He was a volunteer for the Houston County Food Shelf, St. Mary’s church cleaning crew, Ring and Run organization, president of the Semcac board, and VA driver.
However, his favorite volunteer work included bringing Christmas magic, as Santa, to hundreds of kids – bouncing babies on his knee and being careful to not scare the littlest ones with too hardy of a “ho-ho-ho.” The center of Bob’s world was his family, for whom he would do anything. He was married to the love of his life, Marla (Welch), for 51 wonderful years. Despite the odds initially being stacked against them – Marla growing up in La Crescent and Bob hailing from Caledonia – they proved that true love can even bridge a fierce hometown rivalry! Together they built a home and family with daughter Katie and son Patrick. Adding to the mix, their spouses Mike Ryan and Julie (Demorest) Burns. Bob was the best of fathers to his children and truly thrived in his role as a grandfather. Affectionately known as “BB,” he cherished his six grandchildren – Madigan, Sophie, Tessa, Aiden, Keeley and Finnian. He delighted in every stage of their lives, from late-night feedings and diaper changes as infants, to chasing energetic toddlers, to helping with elementary school Halloween costumes, and proudly supporting them through the milestones of high school. Bob was an involved grandfather passed along his love of hunting and fishing and was always willing to bake his famous ginger cookies for birthdays (with the secret ingredient being sorghum), help with science fair projects, take fish off hooks, patiently assist with prom dress shopping, cheer from the sidelines at countless sporting events, and known to arrive early to get the best seats for choir concerts and school performances. Whether big or small, he treasured every opportunity to spend time with his family. He was a true family man whose love and presence will be deeply missed.
Bob is survived by his wife Marla; his daughter Katie Burns Ryan (Mike Ryan), his son Patrick (Julie) Burns, and his cherished grandchildren: Madigan Ryan, Sophie Burns, Tessa Ryan, Aiden Burns, Keeley Ryan, and Finnian Ryan. He is also survived by his sister Jane Burns and by the Welch family, who welcomed him into their loving chaos: Michelle (Dave) Jopke, Mike (Beth) Welch, Marti (Karen) Welch, Matt (Marcia) Welch, Maureen (Lou) Pistulka, Morry (Jill) Welch, and Mary Welch; along with many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents Edy and Bob, his parents-in-law Jean and Earl Welch, and his brothers-in-law Merle Welch and Mark Welch.
Bob’s celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 15 from 1-4 at the Four Seasons Community Center, 900 N. Kingston St, Caledonia, MN 55921. There will be a blessing given at 1:30 and plenty of stories to share about Bob’s life.
McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia, is assisting the family.
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