MADISON - Sharon Marie Burns, age 82, of Madison, passed away in her home on Monday, November 10, 2025. She was the first born of 15 children to LeRoy and Lenore (Heier) Ruesch on January 29, 1943, in Medford, Wis.

Sharon graduated from Medford High School in 1961. She was united in marriage to Patrick Joseph Burns on April 30, 1966, in Medford, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. She was employed as an accounting manager for 40 years, retiring in 2009.

Sharon was an active, joyful, sassy spirit who loved spending time with her friends and family. She participated in both bridge and golf clubs alongside eight of her closest friends and was always eager for outings and new experiences. Sharon shared her beautiful singing voice in the church choir and performed the duet of “Ave Maria” during the Christmas Midnight Mass at St. Bernard Catholic Church.

She was also an avid Wisconsin sports fan. Later in life, she discovered a passion for art and jewelry making, earning recognition and awards at art shows for her intricate bead weaving. Sharon and Patrick enjoyed traveling together to art shows across different states.

A talented cook and baker, Sharon represented Wisconsin in a national chicken cook-off in Florida in 1978. She often prepared meals to donate to the Luke House, sharing her culinary gifts with others in need.

Family was at the heart of everything Sharon did. She and her sisters cherished their annual “Sisters Weekend,” filled with laughter, stories, and love. She was a devoted grandmother who supported all the interests of both her children and grandchildren. Throughout the years, the family embarked on yearly road trips, creating countless memories as they explored many states together.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Patrick; daughters, Bridget Burns and Kris (Troy) Schueller; son, Dan Burns; grandchildren, Garrett Schueller, Dylan Penaranda, Elissa Penaranda and Devin Burns; sisters, Connie (Don) Kubac, Penny (Danny) Engh, Debby (Bill) LaBerge, Valerie (Tim) Leath, Amy (Doug) Christophersen, Beverly (Bill) Kraemer and Lisa (Chris) Laursen; and brothers, Mike (Genice) Ruesch, Pat (Debbie) Ruesch, John (Laura) Ruesch, Kelvin (Shirley) Ruesch, Tim Ruesch, Jason Ruesch and Gabe (Stephanie) Ruesch. She was preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Lenore.

A special thanks to the Agrace HospiceCare team for their compassion and loving care.

A memorial service will be held at QUEEN OF APOSTLES PARISH, ST. DENNIS CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. A visitation will be held at church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Wednesday.

Memorials may be made to St. Bernard Catholic Church, Agrace HospiceCare or Luke House. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Sharon Burns

January 29, 1943 - November 10, 2025

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