Virgil “Virg” Jay Burns was born on November 26, 1939, in Olin, Iowa to Marietta “Ardith” Gray and Max Carlton Burns. His parents later divorced.
Virgil graduated from Monticello Public High School in 1958. While in high school, he received accolades for running track and enjoyed various roles in school plays.
In his younger years, Virgil worked at the Monty Bowl setting up bowling pins. He also worked for his neighbor Don Gray, who eventually became his Stepfather, as a thrasher and farm hand. Virgil went on to work for Spawn and Rose Lumber Yard and was later employed by Harold Scheer doing carpentry jobs. Between his father and Harold, Virgil was taught all the tools of the trade. He was incredibly hard working and a perfectionist, which was evident in his workmanship. Upon moving to Charles City in 1964, Virgil began working for Triad Construction, where he met several lifelong friends. With his years of experience and skills, Virg ventured out to become owner and operator of Burns Construction. He poured his heart into his business until “retirement” although he never really hung up the hammer. For Virgil, there was never a job too big or too small. He was always willing to teach and pass on his skills to anyone who would listen.
Virg met Karen Rae Kraus at Kora’s Counter and the couple eventually married on December 31,1966. This union led to what would be one of Virgil’s greatest accomplishments, becoming a Father. He took immense pride in raising his son Stace Lynn and daughter Stephanie Quinn.
All his life, Virg was an avid outdoorsman. He loved every part of nature from mushroom hunting, fishing, camping, boating, and even water skiing. Other hobbies included bowling, reading car magazines, and watching any Western or action-packed movie he could find. Virg enjoyed riding motorcycles and was a talented wood worker. Virg found solace in writing poetry and drawing. He had a great love for animals and his pets especially Sparky, Prince, and Maddie Bell. Virgil was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where he regularly attended services.
Virgil’s motto was “a car, a car, a kingdom for my car.” From an early age, he had a love for all things motors and cars; the faster the better. Throughout the years, he acquired quite the collection of cars including his pride Ford Anglia. Virgil took every opportunity to show off his rides including taking his orange 1975 GMC Sierra Classic in local parades. He owned one of the first Chevrolet Suburban’s, nicknamed “the green machine” which he used to haul his ever-necessary tools.
Virgil had a knack for striking up a conversation with just about anyone. He was a natural storyteller and always had a joke at the ready. He had an infectious, playful smile that twinkled in his eyes even up until the very end. He cherished any opportunity to spend with his family and friends. Virgil took great pride in watching his Grandchildren grow over the years and the gift they gave him of seven Great Grandchildren whom he adored and held a special place in his heart for each of them.
Those left to cherish Virgil’s memory are his wife Karen; son, Stace (Christine Cleveland) Burns and Stephanie (Troy) Kuykendall all of Charles City; Grandchildren: Kailee (Andy) Janssen of Floyd, Jared (Shelley) Burns of Wheaton, Illinois, Kameron Kuykendall of Charles City, and Jayde Redenbough of Cedar Falls; Great Grandchildren: Hayden, Kayson, Brynlee, Marley, Keegan, Whitney, and Owen; Sisters: Anabel Mollenhaur of Marion, Donna Harms of Rowley, Doris McElmeel of Anamosa and Sheryl (Russ) Stadtmueller of Peterson, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.
Virgil was preceded in death by his two angel babies; parents; a twin sibling at birth; brothers-in-law; several nieces and nephews; as well as many beloved family pets.
Memorials may be directed to the family in memory of Virgil Burns. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Croix Hospice or a charity of your choice.
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