Joseph Bernard "Joe" Burns

Joseph Bernard “Joe” Burns, 70, of Cazenovia, IL, passed away at 11:36 pm on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

He was born on November 3, 1955, in Peoria, IL, to Bernard M. and D. Marie (Marcello) Burns. He married Michelle Bouley on June 23, 1977, in San Antonio, TX.

Surviving are his wife, Michelle of Cazenovia; children Shannon Burns of Morton, IL, Normand (Sarah) Burns of Chicago, IL, and Julia (Tim) Burns Coates of Chattanooga, TN; one granddaughter, Olivia Rendleman of Morton, IL, and siblings Marcella (Mike) Curley of Washington, IL, Michael A. (Nancy) Burns of Metamora, IL, Angela Burns of Metamora, IL, Melanie Burns of Scottsdale, AZ, Bernadette Burns of Peoria, IL, and Lucy Marcello of Germantown Hills, IL; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Josephine Burns and brother Dennis Burns.

Joe worked in the woodworking industry all his life; as a set builder for motion pictures, a cabinet maker and as a custom contractor. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Metamora, where he built the floor to ceiling wall towers on either side of the altar (for sound), the cabinet pedestals that often hold statues, the wainscot railings and baseboards that are around the interior of the church. He also made the cross that is located in the prayer garden.

Joe was an avid bike rider and cross-country skier. He raced mountain bikes during his time in Tucson, Arizona, and relished exploring the mountains and the desert. He enjoyed listening to and playing music; a skilled guitarist and harmonica player. He enjoyed hiking in nature, particularly his beloved Black Partridge Park and fishing. A lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bears and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Later in his life, he loved being a family man and the quiet reprieve afforded him living in the cornfields outside of his lifelong hometown.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Rock Steady Boxing, 5629 North Galena Rd., Peoria Heights, IL 61616, a non-contact boxing program designed specifically to fight back against the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, or to Parkinson’s Central Illinois Support Group, 301 Baylor St., East Peoria, IL 61611. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

DONATIONS:

Rock Steady Boxing, 5629 North Galena Road, Peoria Heights, IL 61616

Parkinson's Central Illinois Support Group, 301 Baylor Street, East Peoria, IL 61611