Jean Mae Burns, the first child of Frank and Joy Keve Hauk, was born May 18, 1923. Her childhood was spent with her siblings, George, Max, and Mary Joy Hauk on a farm northwest of Grindstone.
She worked her way through high school by being a mother's helper to the Bartholmew family and roomed at the old Winchester Hotel.
Shirley Burns introduced her to Homer Burns at a dance in Milesville and they married several months later. Dancing remained a lifelong source of happiness. Jean and Homer had four children: Bobby, Jack, Charlotte and Maralynn.
Jean took great pride in her homemaking skills. Keeping her home clean and tidy was of great importance to her. In fact, her nephews were pretty sure that when she wiped their faces there was Clorox on the washcloth! She loved making pies, bread, jelly, and pickles. Her garden was her special passion. Canning and freezing the produce gave her great joy. Her hobbies included embroidering and making rugs. A local lady who roomed with Jean and Homer when she went to high school, recalled that Jean always "freshened up" and changed her housedress when it was time for Homer to come home from work.
A true child of the thirties, Jean frugally saved and stored anything that might have value or serve a practical purpose in the future. When faced with a new domestic challenge there was always some stored item that could be modified or adapted to solve the problem. The variety of uses for a popsicle stick was endless! No need to run out and buy something new!
In her younger years she was active in community efforts to improve the quality of life in Philip. Among her activities she served as the first President of the Hospital Auxiliary.
When Homer died suddenly she carried on with her family responsibilities since her four children were all still at home. In addition, she ran Homer's business with the help of Red Couch.
Howard Pihlaja, Jean's companion of many years, survives her. Jean is also survived by her children Bobby (Gerry) Sloat, Jack (Marlene) Burns, Charlotte (Larry) Gabriel and Maralynn Burns. In addition, she is survived by 12 grandchildren: John (Carol) Osburn, Doug (Krista) Osburn, Julie (Chad) Callahan, Andy (Samantha) Sloat, Chris (Misti) Burns, Jeff (Heather) Burns, Robyn (Steve) Brazelton, Mindy (Lloyd) Metzger, Jeff (Heather) Gabriel, Danielle (Josh) Carlson, Dustin (Lynette) Hummel, and Cassi (Alan) Rislov; her great-grandchildren include: Eddie and Jannine Osburn; Anaktoria, Shane, and Baylee Callahan; Makenzie, Anthony, and Zachary Sloat; Nathan and Jace Brazelton; Patrick and Will Burns; Taylor, Brooke, and Katie Burns; Sage, Cedar, Ember, and Latham Gabriel; Gabriel and Carissa Metzger; Cadan and Gage Carlson; Brayden and Maelee Hummel; and Rio and Ali Rislov. Her brother Max (Nancy) Hauk, sister Mary Joy Hauk, two sisters-in-law Peggy Hauk and Mary Martha Burns; and numerous nephews and nieces survive her.
Jean was preceded in death by her husbands Homer Burns and Jud Fennell; her parents Frank and Joy (Keve) Hauk; her brother George Hauk; grandchildren Christy and Bill Osburn; and great-grandchildren Brace Allen and Paxton Ryder Gabriel.
Visitation was held 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, at Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Wednesday.
Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, at the United Church in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Interment was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Wednesday, July 10, 2013 - 10:30 a.m.
United Church
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage - Pianist
Cindy Nuzum - Vocalist
“How Great Thou Art”
“In The Garden”
USHERS
Josh Carlson - Andy Sloat
Alan Rislov - Chad Callahan
PALLBEARERS
Chris Burns - Jeff Burns
John Osburn - Doug Osburn
Jeff Gabriel - Dustin Hummel
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
Guest Book
Sending my deepest sympathys to the family of Jean. She was quite a lady. I enjoyed doing her hair, we had some good conversations and was a good neighbor. She will be missed...
~ Bonnie Moses
Nebraska (7/7/2013)
Sympathy to Jean's family. She will be missed by all who knew her as she was quite a lady. She helped us out when we needed rooms and we'll never forget it. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers during this trying time. She is at peace now. Sincerely Bev and Cork
~ Bev & Cork Jahner
Kerrville Texas (7/7/2013)
We are sorry for your loss in these recent days. May your memories of your mom be full, joyful and even funny. God Himself will be your comfort today and in the days ahead.
~ Scott & Mary Jo Pihlaja
Gurnee, IL (7/7/2013)
Bobby, Jack, Charlotte and Maralynn, Our love and prayers are with you at this time.Your Mom and Dad were great friends of my Mom and Dads. Your mother checked in regularly with my Mother the last few years. So glad that Mom and I were able to stop and see Jean and Bobby a couple years ago. With Love, Susan and Dennis
~ Denny Walsh
Miami Fl. (7/7/2013)
To all of Jean's Family and Friends~
Our sincere sympathy in the loss of your loved one. We understand these weeks have been long and trying, and so are glad that the time has come for her to depart these Earthly bonds and begin anew. We hope you hold many fond memories of your time here with her near to your hearts and that the passing of time eases the loss you feel. Many blessings to you all.
~ Vonda, Jason, Nick and Carson Hamill
Milesville SD (7/7/2013)
The Kennedys just want you to know you are all in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. I am sure Jean is already busy baking brother Denny a pie to fatten him up! She was a great caregiver to him thru out the years and he loved her dearly! God Bless!
~ Judy Goldhammer
Wall SD (7/7/2013)
Jean was a very special lady, she always made good buns for our Legion Auxilary potlucks. Jean always asked about Emmie any time she saw us downtown. We are out of town, we will not be able to attend the services, but know you are all in our thoughts.
~ Les & Joann Pearson
Philip (7/7/2013)
We are very sorry for the loss of your loved one. Remember the good times and always keep them in your heart.
~ Jim & Vonnie O'Dea
Howes,SD (7/7/2013)
Our deepest sympathy to all of Jean's family. I know how much you are going to miss this lovely lady. Our Prayers go to all
~ Joyce Buchholz
Belle Fourche, SD (7/7/2013)
Many, many great memories of a wonderful lady, we hold close. Please know we thought a lot of your mom, grandma and will miss her a lot. Our prayers our with you and yours.
~ David, Alaina, Char Stangle
Philip, SD (7/7/2013)
I remember Jean always would always have time to visit. If she was outside watering her flowers or later in the swing bed she enjoyed visiting. I am praying that God holds you in the palm of His hands as you walk through this difficult time.
~ Marty & Debbie Hansen
Philip (7/7/2013)
Bobby,our thoughts and prayers are with you and your siblings as you deal with the loss of your Mother.
~ Rosetta & Lloyd Royer
Waukee, Iowa (7/7/2013)
Dear Bobby, Jack, Charlotte and Maralynn, You have all been in my thoughts: the "Burns" kids are four completely unique individuals whose humor, courage and honesty are a testimony to your mother Jean. She was a lucky woman to have four wonderful children -- and then you add in the spouses, the grandchildren, the great grandchildren. It doesn't get any better than that! Tell your "Jean" stories to the next generations. I love you "guys." Julie
~ Julie Minard
Long Beach, California (7/7/2013)
Dear Bobby, Jack, Charlotte and Maralynn, my deepest sympathy at your mom's death. Thank you for 'sharing' your mom with us these past months. I bet I talked with her once or twice a day briefly when I was visiting my mother on the weekends. She sometimes got upset, but she was the sweetest lady and would say "I am so sorry to bother you, but.....". Even on her more 'distressed' days she would instantly soften when I popped my head over. I can tell by the way you visited and cared for her that she was a much loved mother and woman in life. Blessings and good thoughts to you in this sad time.
~ Kay Foland
Rapid City (7/7/2013)
So sorry to hear of the death of your mother. I knew your mother from as far back as I can remember anything. It was my parents that she worked for and I was named after her. My parents remained very close to your parents and we would always stop to see Homer and Jean whenever we were in Philip. It was a like a routine. Get to Noacks Sat. night, go to Mass in Philip and go to see Homer and Jean. The last time I was in Philip, my cousin, Kay Kroetch, took me driving and I could almost remember where you lived. There are some things a person never forgets, and your parents were such great people that the impresions they left on me are still with me today. Once again, my deepest sympathy for the whole family.
~ Jean Bartholomew Fritz
10108 194th Ave. Lemmon, SD 57638 (7/7/2013)
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Roger enjoyed talking to her miss him greatly and love all of you And i think she will watch over him and her to take care and miss all of you
~ Patty Hauk
Hot Springs (7/7/2013)