Obituary
Milton Joseph Burns
Milton was born September 9, 1932 to Francis and Iola Campbell Burns. Milton traveled and worked throughout the U S in his younger years. While living in Chicago his mother became ill and he returned to Lacrosse, in his last years he traveled to Italy, Ireland and Scotland.
Milt worked many places during his lifetime. The job that he enjoyed the most was working the elevator at the Batavian Building downtown Lacrosse where he retired from last year at age 86. Milt had a kind and giving heart. He welcomed many people into his home to live. Some stayed for days others for years. He surrounded himself with books, music, architecture, Legos, puzzles and his cat Isabelle. He knew the history of each building in the Lacrosse area. His statue was small but his knowledge was immense. His greatest courage and strength was shown in his acceptance of dying,
Proceeding him in death are his parents, Brother Robert Burns and sister. Margaret Hundt
Loved ones include sister Vivian Hanson , Ettrick, sister –in-law Gisela Burns, Chicago, nieces and nephews, special friend Cory Fink, Madison and special “ grandson “ Leo Milton.
A celebration of life will be held on January 25, 2020 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at The Gathering Place in the Prairie Room, 133 Mason St., Onalaska.
Mr. Burns was our neighbor on Division Street. I remember him being quiet and kind. He lived in a little brown house, and I think his mother lived there with him. Funny, the things you remember. He always had a smile and wave for the pesky neighborhood kids, always bought whatever we were selling. My memories of him warm my heart and crease my face with a smile. My sincere condolences for the loss of your loved Milton.
My condolences to the family. Milt was the elevator operator at the Batavian Building where I owned a business and worked for 16 + years. Milt brought people up and down from the 3rd floor to see me in my counseling business. In 2010, Garrison Counseling moved to the 5th floor, and Milt took almost everyone coming to the clinic up by elevator. Milt was a perfect gentleman, a wonderful man and an asset to our clinic. He always rushed to get the door for everyone and was helpful in so many ways to my clients and to my staff. We all loved Milt and will remember him fondly. Debbie Garrison
I deeply regret that I was unable to attend Milt’s memorial. I treasured his friendship and really will never forget him. We rode the same bus for years before I moved to another neighborhood and he was also a work neighbor; we had great conversations about everything under the sun. He was an incredibly kind and generous-hearted man with a wonderful, always curious mind. His range of interests was delightful and the joy he took in his first airplane ride – to Italy! – was unforgettable. I truly miss him every day and offer my most sincere sympathy to his family and friends. He was loved and respected by all who knew him – a rare gentleman.