Funeral Mass for Laura Lee Burns

Laura Lee Burns, 87 of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Monday, February 24, 2025, at the West Ridge Care Center. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church by Rev. Dennis Miller. Burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. A Rosary will be at 4 p.m. on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Teahen Funeral Home. Those not wishing to attend the Rosary, can visit with family on Monday from 4:30 to 7 p.m. or at the church before the Funeral Mass on Tuesday from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Laura is survived by her son and his family, Mike Burns and grandson, Zachary Michael (Sara) Burns, great-grandson, Zachariah “Zeke” Burns, great-granddaughter, Cleopatra “Cleo” Burns, and granddaughter, Alisa (Robert) Barker, and great-granddaughters, Alyssa and Zoe Barker; son and his family Ken (Deb) Burns and granddaughters, Ashley Burns and Amber Burns (fiancé Kody Smith); daughter and her family, Karen (Don) Stenger and grandson, Nathan Stenger (fiancé Maegan Bruene), and granddaughters, Natalie (Luke) St. Angelo, Olivia (Mark) Turner and great- grandsons Camden and Theodore  Turner and Stephanie Stenger; and daughter, Theresa (Greg) Callanan;  and her sister Leota; and sister-in laws Catherine Burns and Sue Miller; and many nieces and nephews.  As well as, grandpaws, Deckster, Rusty, Willow, Rebel, Brody, Shiloh, Pepper, Samson, Pete, Kadie and Mittens.

Laura was born on September 13, 1937, in Ionia, IA, the daughter of Nicholas and Dorothy Schmitz Miller. She graduated in 1955 from Our Lady of Victory Academy High School in Waterloo. She worked at St Francis Hospital. On May 16, 1956, Laura married Robert Burns at St. John’s Catholic Church in Waterloo. Laura was the matriarch of her family, showing us the power of faithfulness, love, kindness and serving others.  She was a beloved Wife, Mother, and Mema and loved spending time with her family. For 38 years, she volunteered 7,823 hours on Tuesdays at Mercy Medical Center taking the gift cart to patient rooms and gathering residents at Hallmar to say a rosary. She also worked as a banquet server for Stouffers and Dostal Catering. Laura was a devoted member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

She truly saw the beauty and the positives in each moment. Throughout her life, she had fun while getting the work done, valued self-health through daily exercise and prayer, and served others. She was quick to light up a room with her smile or a one liner. She loved children and is remembered saying “Are we having fun yet?” as she gathered with family to enjoy activities such as weekend camping trips, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, playing cards, Christmas baking, dancing, listening to Elvis songs or attending grandchildren's activities.

She was preceded in death by Robert, her husband of 64 years; sisters, Lucille Brown and Doris Miller; and brothers, Francis “Sonny” Miller and Robert Miller.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at West Ridge, Mercy Medical Center, Home Instead and other caregivers for the care they provided. Laura will be deeply missed by family and friends but our souls with be filled with her everlasting love.         

A memorial fund has been established in Laura’s name for her favorite charities.

Online condolences can be left at: www.teahenfuneralhome.com.

The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed at: https://www.facebook.com/stpatrickcr/