Maurine Johann Burns

Maurine (Rene) Johann [Obrecht] Burns, a deeply loved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, suddenly but peacefully passed away from natural causes on March 27, 2025 at the age of 87. “Renee”, as her family called her, was born on a farm near what is now Cherry Creek Dam East of Denver on December 6, 1937. She was raised with a strong work ethic, fierce toughness and infinite love for family, children and animals, especially Dachshunds. She carried her love for family, love for land, diligence and grit from those early days throughout her remarkable and impactful life. Her tireless work ethic was matched only by her boundless hospitality. Her door was always open and her table always set for anyone in need of a meal and comfort of being part of a family. She had a special place in her heart for children and reveled in their laughter. She nurtured them with the same love and devotion she showed to all who crossed her path. Whether a delicious meal, a welcoming embrace or a thoughtful deed, she lived to serve others, leaving every person, place, and moment better than she found it.

She was a born leader and adventurer at heart, a true “Colorado Pioneer” and she embraced life with courage and curiosity, no doubt imbued from her stalwart parents and rural roots. She was always athletic and applied herself to bowling where she excelled as a professional bowler and won bowling tournaments in at least ten different states. Later, she remained undefeated for over seven years in Wii bowling…against her grandkids. She worked most of her life as a bookkeeper, but her ingenuity, diligence and take-charge attitude made every company that she worked at more efficient and more profitable. During the winters her and Chuck spent time in Florence, AZ where she ascended to be the president of the Caliente Casa de Sol Board. Her legacy is one of love, hard work, resilience, and generosity, knitted into the lives of her family, friends, and countless others who were all touched by her kind, serving spirit.

And at the heart of her life was her faith and trust in God and His goodness and provision. As such, she was a prolific giver sharing herself, her knittings, her finances and even her blood through countless Red Cross and Bonfils blood donations.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Charles (Chuck) Burns, her children Vicki [Lynn] Lettow, David [Julie-ann] Goldstein, Charlene Burns and Keith [Allison] Burns, her siblings Mary Lou Bishop and John [Lindy] Obrecht, her grandchildren Charles Blea-Burns, James Lettow, Angel Goldstein, Cassidy Lettow, Zachary Goldstein, Garret Burns and Joshua Goldstein, her great-grandchildren Lacey, Elijah and Zaven who all miss her deeply, but will forever cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her parents Evan and May [Dransfeldt] Obrecht and brothers Walter Obrecht and Steve Obrecht. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, April 12th, 2:00 pm at Southside Bible Church, 7050 South Tucson Way, Centennial, CO 80112, reception following. The service will be available for streaming live.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Life Bridge Food Bank in Bailey, CO remembering her care, generosity and service to others.