Reed T. Burns

Reed Thomas Burns passed away at age 93 on Saturday, December 5th 2020 at his home in Green Bay. Reed was born in Wausau, on October 16th, 1927 to parents Reed C. and Sophia (Krohn) Burns.
He is survived by his wife Irene, three children: Pat Burns (Paula), Terri Grams (Jed), and Kay Welke-Allison (Keith), seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, his siblings: Pat Rose and Bill Burns (Helen), and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by parents, as well as siblings: Rosemary (Myron) Bartlet, LeRoy (Betty) Burns, Pearl (Leon) Dupuis, Jane (Harry) Kort, Dick (Janet) Burns, and Dale Rose.
Reed—or "Riggie" to his family and friends—served in the U.S. Navy from 1945-46 with an honorable discharge, as well as the U.S. Army from 1950-53. Before his honorable discharge from the Army as a Master Sergeant, he patrolled the Berlin Wall. He came home to marry his sweetheart, Irene Radtke, on June 27th, 1953.
A long haul truck driver by trade, his impressive knowledge of Wisconsin roads always resulted in a victory during games of "Schlopsky" with his wife and grandchildren. After retirement, needing to keep himself busy, Reed took a position with LaForce Inc. in Green Bay.
He was never without a pocketful of hard candies, a Packer hat on his head, and mischief in his blue eyes. Everyone who crossed his path was met with a firm handshake from his strong worker's hands and the sage advice, "never take a wooden nickel."
Sitting outside by the bonfire up North or driving the open road, he kept perfect time to Polka music on his knee or the steering wheel.
Even in later years, Reed could be found driving ATVs and snowmobiles in the Northwoods. His love of the outdoors could only be matched by his love for his family. An avid reader, Reed devoured every book that crossed his path. Happiness was a scalding cup of coffee and the promise of Irene's home cooking.
Reed's quiet strength and willingness to drop everything to help others are the hallmarks of his life. The home he created with Irene was one of warmth, comfort, and welcoming. Equal parts wry Dad jokes and sincere pride in his family, Reed will be missed by all who were blessed to know and love him.
Reed's wishes were to have no service with the current pandemic. To leave an online condolence please visit www.NewcomerGreenBay.com Reed was an avid Packers fan and would like donations to be made to the Packers Foundation.