Joseph Michael Burns

The incredible life of Joe was based on integrity, loyalty, and trust; he lived by them consistently. He was proud to call his hometown Green Bay, Wisconsin. He attended St. Matthew’s grade school and then St. Norbert High School (A boarding school for young men). It was there he refined his scholastic and athletic prowess. He continued to hone his insatiable work ethic, and being college-educated was paramount to him. He earned a degree in Economics from the University of Saint Thomas, MN.

As Joe would say, he was very fortunate to have met Mary Ellen Forcier, a young teacher in Green Bay, and they fell in love. They married in 1969.

Joe had tremendous people skills, and that helped him thrive throughout life. After joining IBM for many years and receiving the coveted 10 years 100% Sale Award, he had a tough decision to make for his future. Part of the IBM life was travel, and he knew that wasn't what he wanted for his family. An opportunity presented, and he elected to take over a restaurant. For the next 14 years, he opened many businesses while raising a family of 3 very active children, Peter, Robert, and Katie. One principle he would not compromise or allow his professional life to affect was his desire to be fully present for his wife and kids.

He instilled the very same values in his children. He enjoyed coaching the boys' football teams and watching them play tennis, baseball, and volleyball. To Joe, it didn't matter the sport or what you're trying to accomplish in life; if you weren't willing to put the effort in, work hard, have dedication, and finish what you started, you shouldn't complain about the poor results. Although sports were instrumental in his life, Joe had two hobbies that were high above the others; snow-skiing and sailing. And he rarely missed an opportunity to part-take. The most important thing to Joe about being a family was that he and Mary Ellen would support his children in whatever endeavor they chose, never missing a game or event.

Life changed quickly, and he moved his family from Stevens Point, Wis, to Pella, Iowa, in 1986. He took over helping Pella Windows select sites for their Retail Stores. As his children continued to grow, so to did his family. Joe could not have been more excited and proud.

Joe and Mary Ellen have nine beautiful grandchildren; Zachary, Caitlyn, Lauren, Ally, Taylor, Hayden, Reagan, Caroline, and Grace. He was so proud of his grandchildren and their accomplishments. As he did for his children, he rarely missed any event. However, some of the sporting events took him to multiple states, and at times, he had to tell his doctors he was just "around town," and he forgot to check in.

He spent his years always building upon the four essential pillars of life; God, Family, Work, and Community. Joe was a CCD teacher, was a church treasurer, was the Chairman of Brown County Heart Association, Vice President of Jaycees, and formed one of the first civic councils for Drug Abuse in the USA. That Council continues today at the University of Stevens Point Wellness Group. Joe received the Council's First Outstanding Service Award and of which he was very honored. In addition, he was accepted into the AKP Business Fraternity at the University of St. Thomas and was awarded their National Outstanding Sevice Award Recipient. He was excited to be the Chairman of the 50th Reunion class, which funded a scholarship program given out yearly to selected students. He loved helping and serving others.

Mary Ellen will forever miss her husband of 52 years until they are reunited through God's promise. She was his lighthouse when the seas got rough and always multiplied his joy while dividing his pain.

Joe will be sadly missed; however, his beautiful spirit will live on forever within the hearts of the people he touched.