Visitation: Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 10am-11:45pm at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME (16880 W National Ave, New Berlin)
Celebration of Life: Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 11:45pm at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME (16880 W National Ave, New Berlin)
Gary E. Burnham
Passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 23, 2023 at age 77. Beloved husband of Mary for 53 years. Doting and affectionate father of Brittany Scafe, Brooke (Chris) Smith, Blair (Dustin) Berry, Bridget (Steve) Syrjala. Proud Papa of Hunter, Bree, Ellie, Sebastian “Sy”, Hudson, Brinley, Beckett, Hattie, Millie, and Archie. Further survived by nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Louise and his sister Marcia (the late Michael).
Gary and Mary were high school sweethearts and married in 1969.
Gary was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed sharing his love of hunting and fishing with friends. His proudest accomplishment being coaching and supporting his daughters in every sport they played. More recently, he spent his time following the grandchildren in their sporting events and was their #1 fan.
Gary and Mary loved to travel and visited many countries throughout their life together. They especially enjoyed taking motorcycle road trips around Wisconsin with friends.
Gary’s greatest joy was spending summers around Burnham Beach with family and friends.
Gary served in the National Guard.
A visitation will take place on Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 10am until 11:45am with a celebration of life at 11:45am at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOMES (16880 W National Ave, New Berlin).
In lieu of flowers donations to charity of choice are appreciated.
So very sad. I will forever remember Gary at all of our softball games and how we’d make fun of him and my dad for having the same exact house floor plan and car. So sorry for your loss, Burnham family.
My deepest sympathy to Mary and all members of the Burnham family. I have know Gary for over 65 years and Mary for 64 years. Gary and I were confirmed together in 1959, Mary, Gary, I were all high school classmates OHS ’63, plus I had the honor to be a bridesmaid in their wedding on July 12, 1969. Our friendship goes back many years with many wonderful memories plus lots of laughs. I am so sorry for your lost of your beloved Gary. Gary was a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather. May all of you cherish your personal memories of Gary. He will be missed by all who knew him.
What a guy! Devoted husband and doting dad raising 4 incredible women. He was equal parts intimidating and welcoming—the perfect mix for protecting his teen daughters from would-be suitors.
Debbie and Paul Syrjala
April 13, 2023 at 8:12 pm - Reply
We were so saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. We cherish our special family memories with him. Love to all of you – wish we could be with you on Saturday. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you. Hugs to all!
Bill and Kathy Maule
April 14, 2023 at 4:47 pm - Reply
Sending heart felt condolences to the Burnham family. We have many warm memories of fun times. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Don and Chris Childers
April 15, 2023 at 1:28 pm - Reply
Mary, Girls, and all the rest of the Family. Chris and I are sorry we couldn’t be with you today to say goodbye to Gary. As Chris would say feel our arms around you. Don says I hope there’s a big Buck out there just waiting for You! Miss you Bud.
I remember hunting rabbits and ice fishing on the kettle and on St.Johns bay on Nagawicka lake and the haul of northern pike off of the mill pond and all the trouble we got into.
They say that turtles don,t die until sunset.I remember the time you shot that big snapping turtle from 3 feet away and blew it onto it,s back and it died right on the spot.
I remember the state patrol asking you if you know anything about the hubcaps that disapperated from the car parked at the sugar island parking lot while you were sitting at steves BaR Que.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to the whole family.
So very sad. I will forever remember Gary at all of our softball games and how we’d make fun of him and my dad for having the same exact house floor plan and car. So sorry for your loss, Burnham family.
So sorry, Mary and all of your family! Gary was a good friend through high school and beyond..
I know he will be greatly missed by all of you.
My deepest sympathy to Mary and all members of the Burnham family. I have know Gary for over 65 years and Mary for 64 years. Gary and I were confirmed together in 1959, Mary, Gary, I were all high school classmates OHS ’63, plus I had the honor to be a bridesmaid in their wedding on July 12, 1969. Our friendship goes back many years with many wonderful memories plus lots of laughs. I am so sorry for your lost of your beloved Gary. Gary was a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather. May all of you cherish your personal memories of Gary. He will be missed by all who knew him.
What a guy! Devoted husband and doting dad raising 4 incredible women. He was equal parts intimidating and welcoming—the perfect mix for protecting his teen daughters from would-be suitors.
We were so saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. We cherish our special family memories with him. Love to all of you – wish we could be with you on Saturday. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you. Hugs to all!
Sending heart felt condolences to the Burnham family. We have many warm memories of fun times. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary, Girls, and all the rest of the Family. Chris and I are sorry we couldn’t be with you today to say goodbye to Gary. As Chris would say feel our arms around you. Don says I hope there’s a big Buck out there just waiting for You! Miss you Bud.
I remember hunting rabbits and ice fishing on the kettle and on St.Johns bay on Nagawicka lake and the haul of northern pike off of the mill pond and all the trouble we got into.
They say that turtles don,t die until sunset.I remember the time you shot that big snapping turtle from 3 feet away and blew it onto it,s back and it died right on the spot.
I remember the state patrol asking you if you know anything about the hubcaps that disapperated from the car parked at the sugar island parking lot while you were sitting at steves BaR Que.