Robert is survived by his wife, Doris Burns daughter, Christine Clendenen, Hiawatha sons, John (Susan) Burns, Florida/Minnesota, Jerald (Lisa) Burns, Marion daughter, Cheryl (Steven) Burns Vito, Cedar Rapids five grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In 2020, Robert and Doris moved to Oak View in Independence, where he lived out his final days. We never knew a soul so incredibly loved. Wherever Robert went, he never met a stranger everyone was his friend. They belonged to the Merry Mixers Square Dance Club and followed their son’s bands all over northeast Iowa and even Nashville! Robert loved to play cards with their many friends there was always so much laughter around the Euchre table! Over their 73 years of marriage, they traveled to all 50 states, took cruises, were snowbirds in Texas, and even traveled as far as Ireland. Their weekends were spent dancing together for countless years. Robert and Doris raised their family in St. He officially retired at a young 88 years old. As you can see, he didn’t take to retirement well. It wasn’t long before he was back to work at US Suppliers, followed by AgVantage FS. Missing family and friends, in 1993, they made a home for themselves in Winthrop. During that time, Robert came out retirement to work at Kann Manufacturing. He always made time for his family with camping, vacations and eventually purchasing a home on Esmann Island, Guttenberg, Iowa, where they retired for four years. While working in town, he found time to farm, raise livestock and kids. Robert was known as a hard worker, and worked for many around the Winthrop area, including Doc Murphy at the Winthrop Elevator, Don Peck Construction, Buddy Conrad’s Texaco, and Terry Fairchild at Fairchild’s Feed & Supply until his retirement. Patrick’s Catholic Church Hall together, until Paul T.’s retirement.

He remained in the Army Reserves for five years. Later that year, Robert and Doris moved back to Winthrop. It was there he married his bride, Doris Jarvis, of Manchester, on June 11, 1949. Robert was the last of two people from Buchanan County to be drafted into peacetime Army, along with Bill Alden, Masonville.

His siblings included Dorothy (Lloyd) Callahan, Donald (Anne) Burns and Shirley (Robert) Whitney. Robert was third in line to be born to Bridget (Short) Burns and John Burns. Though he endured a difficult childhood, moving numerous times during the Great Depression, his family finally settled in Winthrop. Robert was born on a farm near Lamont, Iowa, on July 1, 1925, where he attended the Lamont School. Our hearts are broken, but we know we were blessed to have this kind and gentle man in our lives. On April 25, 2023, while in the arms of his beloved wife, the twinkle went out of the Irish eyes of Robert John Burns, age 97, of Independence, Iowa.

The Doctor's Wife by Cheryl St. John