Marion Marcella Burns

She was born November 2, 1922 in Battle Creek, Nebraska. After graduating from Norfolk High School, she attended Norfolk Junior Business College. In 1943, she was united in marriage to Edgar Besel at Emmaus Lutheran Church. They lived in Denver, Golden and Wheat Ridge, Colorado where they managed the Golden Bowl Inn restaurant and raised three daughters. Later, she worked at Ford Motor Company as a receptionist and secretary. In 1960, following her second marriage to Richard Barrett Burns, she moved to Denver and resided in Bonnie Brae for 38 years. At this time she enjoyed her career working with mutual funds, employed as an office manager for Janus Fund and Dryfus Corporation. When she moved to Candlewyck Condominiums in 2000, she continued to make new friends while serving on the social committee and keeping healthy through her participation in water aerobics.

Marion was always active in the Lutheran Church. She was a charter member of Wheat Ridge Lutheran Church. She joined St. John’s in 1964 and was the oldest member until she passed. Over the course of 20 years, she served as a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) volunteer, a Share Group leader, Sunday school secretary, a member of the Alter Guild, head of funeral reception and was a member of Senior’s group. However, it was as greeter that everyone was able to enjoy her cheerful smile, hearty laugh and gregarious personality.

In her last four years at St. Andrew’s Village, Marion continued to keep busy with her interests and activities. Her first priority was to check out the ads for bargains and coupons. As an avid sports fan, Marion kept track of her Broncos and Rockies. She always knew all the key players, how they were performing, and what time they were playing so she could cheer them on to victory. Her beanbag baseball team counted on her accurate throws. “Happy hour” won't be the same without her jokes and laughter. She continued to share her love for God’s Word as she faithfully led a Bible class for other residents.

Although Marion had a life with many hardships and obstacles, she would be the first to tell you that it was the joy of the Lord that gave her strength. She “fought the good fight”, she “finished the race” and “kept the faith” because God was faithful to her.

She was predeceased by her parents Theodore Tegeler of Norfolk and Ella Bierman Tegeler of Wheat Ridge, and her brother Harold Tegeler of Arvada.

She is survived by three daughters and their spouse: Judith Ann Trautwein (Robert) of Columbus, Nebraska, Janet Lorraine Darnell (Duane) of Redmond, Oregon, and Jo Lynn Valentine of San Tan Valley, Arizona. Her grandchildren are Nathan Trautwein (Piper Dwight), Luke Trautwein (Allison), Joseph Darnell, Peter Darnell (Lauren), Lori Darnell Burns (Brent) and Tyrone Lofton (Cynthia). Her great grandchildren include Colette & Nash Trautwein, Olive & Pearl Trautwein, Lilly & Jane Darnell, Christopher Burns, and Beau Lofton. Nieces and nephews include Carol and Larry Mathews, Shirley and Paul Baynham and other living outside the area.

A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church School (700 S. Franklin St. Denver) on May 17, 2019 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be offered in her memory to: