William Burns

Madison - William C. Burns, age 88, passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at his home due to natural causes. He was born on January 5, 1926 to Earl and Margaret (Chandler) Burns in Fargo, North Dakota. Bill's family moved to Salem, Oregon where he graduated from High School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-1946. In 1950, Bill received a BS in Zoology, followed by his MA in Zoology in 1952 both from Oregon State College. Bill was united in marriage in 1956 to Joan Kazalski. Later he received his Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 1958. He also completed post-doctoral research at Oregon State University. At the University of Wisconsin - Madison, Bill taught comparative anatomy and parasitology, as well as being Chairman of the Dept. of Zoology. He retired from the UW in 1994. Bill was actively involved as an advocate in the area of developmental disabilities. He also served as treasurer for a major political campaign. His creative imagination was expressed in his charcoal drawings. Bill loved classical music and spending time with his family.

Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan; their children, Carol Statz, Gilbert (Carol) Burns, Alison Burns, and Becky (Jeanne Sears) Burns; their grandchildren, Tim and Christine Burns, Dan Statz, Courtney Burns and his brother, Bruce (Sonia) Burns. He was preceded in death by his brother, Roy (Naomi) Burns.

A memorial service will be held at First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive, Madison, WI 53705 Saturday December 6th from 1-3pm in the Landmark Auditorium.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Unitarian Society, the "William C. Burns & Lemuel A. Fraser Teaching Enrichment Fund" at the UW Zoology Department or to a charity of your choice.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434
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