Thomas Lee Burns

Burns, Thomas L. McFARLAND-Thomas L. Burns, age 62, passed away on Monday, July 28, 2014, in his wife’s arms due to complications of diabetes/heart disease. He was born on Nov. 11, 1951, in Madison, the son of Leland and Patricia Burns. Tom married Ruth Ann Whitehorse on Oct. 26, 1973 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, Madison. He graduated from Madison Holy Name Seminary in 1969. He attended Edgewood College for two years and then transferred to UW-Madison, graduating with a degree in communications in 1973. His career started at American Family Insurance in 1973 and ended at UW ENT Clinic in 2009. Tom’s passions were God, golf and family, in that order. He enjoyed traveling, including trips to Russia, London and within the United States. Tom conquered his diabetes for 47 years with the motto “It is what it is”and lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed being with family and friends and will be remembered for his kindness, positive attitude and being a notorious punster. His inspiration these past few years was his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. Tom is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann; son, Ryan; daughter, Bridget; two grandchildren, Anders and Ainslee; his mother, Patricia Bussan; and two sisters, Marilee (Jim) Whitehorse and Beverly (Don) Brinkmeier. He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5306 Main Street, McFarland, at Noon, on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014, with Father D. Stephen Smith presiding. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens, Madison. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Many thanks to all medical staff and in-home caregivers through the years. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420