Sherman Michael “Mike” Burns
Sherman Michael “Mike” Burns
Maquoketa
Sherman Michael “Mike” Burns, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away unexpectedly from complications following surgery on November 15, 2024, at the age of 67, at UnityPoint Finley Hospital in Dubuque, IA.
Sherman Michael Burns was born April 10, 1957 in Anamosa, IA, the son of Sherman E. and the late Betty Lou (Boyd) Burns. He grew up in Maquoketa, IA, where he attended Maquoketa High School, graduating in 1975. He studied at the University of Iowa for a year before embarking on a career that would span several decades. On June 17, 1978, Mike married his high school sweetheart, Mary Pat Lechtenberg, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa, a union that was blessed with three wonderful children: Erin, Jake, and Adam.
Professionally, Mike was a skilled tool and die maker. His career began at Caterpillar in Mt. Joy, IA, and continued at Hoof Products in Maquoketa. He later joined Rockwell Gross in Cedar Rapids before concluding his career at Precision Metal Works in Maquoketa, where he retired in 2022.
Mike was a member at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was a former Union member with Caterpillar, and at one time was a member of both Duck’s Unlimited and Pheasants Forever.
An avid outdoorsman, Mike found solace and joy in nature. He enjoyed making memories with his family, and was passionate about hunting, gardening, and embarking on outdoor adventures with his loved ones. His pursuits included camping, hunting for mushrooms and ginseng, and the art of maple syrup making. Retirement allowed him to explore new hobbies, and he quickly developed a talent for cooking and baking. Mike’s kitchen became a place of gathering, where he shared his delicious creations with family and friends.
Mike’s legacy is carried on by his devoted wife, Mary Pat Burns of Maquoketa, IA; his children, Erin McCaulley of Maquoketa, IA, Jake (Jenny) Burns of Maquoketa, IA, and Adam (Ivy) Burns of Solon, IA; his father, Sherman E. Burns of Maquoketa, IA; and his sister, Michelle (Michael French) Burns of Algonquin, IL. His life was further enriched by the laughter and love of his six grandchildren, Ethan, Grace, and Cael McCaulley, Marcus Cox and Jonny Burns, and Boden Burns. He also leaves behind his mother-in-law, Kay Lechtenberg of Maquoketa, IA, and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss him dearly.
Preceding him in death were his mother, Betty Burns, his infant sister, Becky Sue Burns, and his father-in-law, Dr. Joseph Lechtenberg.
A funeral mass celebrating his life will be held at 11:30 A.M., Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 P.M., Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Cremation will follow the visitation. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made in honor of his mother to the Jackson County Walk to End Alzheimer’s or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
