Bernard John Burns Jr.

Bernard (Bernie) John Burns, Jr., age 92 of West Des Moines, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on October 23, 2022 at Edgewater Assisted Living in West Des Moines.

Bernie and his family want to thank Edgewater Assisted Living, Suncrest Hospice, and Friends Home Care and Hospice for all the love, support and care given to all of us over the last year. Many angels from all three organizations have assisted our family through this journey. Bernie felt love and loved so many of the nurses, aides, and support staff who constantly catered to his every need. Our family couldn’t have asked for a better overall experience. We are forever grateful to each and every one of you. Thank you.

Bernie was born on December 24, 1929, in Worcester, MA to Dr. Bernard John and Nora (Cassen) Burns. He attended Worcester South High School and graduated from Boston University in 1951 with a Business Degree. He later graduated from Drake University in 1978 with a master’s degree in Business Administration.

Upon graduation from Boston University, Bernie entered the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was commissioned an officer as a Statistical Services Officer in the Pentagon where he spent the next four years working on the first large-sized mainframe computer used for military planning. After leaving active duty, Bernie continued to serve part-time with the Air Force Reserves, retiring in 1962 at the rank of Captain.

Bernie was united in marriage to Mary Theresa O’Malley on August 7, 1954 at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Worcester. They spent the next four years in Alexandria, Virginia while he served in the Pentagon.

Upon leaving the service, they moved to West Boylston, MA, where Bernie worked in the Systems Department of State Mutual Life Assurance Company, converting manual operations to their new mainframe computer. Their three children, John, Mary, and Susan spent their first years being raised in West Boylston. After 5 years at State Mutual, Bernie was interested in making a job change. Wife Mary agreed as long as they would be located closer to the ocean, which she loved. However, the family ended up moving to West Des Moines, IA, where Bernie accepted the position as Manager of Systems and Programming with the Equitable Life Assurance Company of Iowa. Mary and Bernie ended up spending the rest of their years in West Des Moines. Mary did, over time, learn to accept Des Moines as her home as long as the family could return to Cape Cod each year for 3 weeks.

Bernie spent the next 28 years working at Equitable Life of Iowa. While at Equitable, he was conferred a Fellowship of the Life Office Management Association and held several positions, including President, of Iowa’s Association for Systems Management. He retired, as Vice President of Information and Services in 1992. At that time, he was a member of Equitable’s Board of Directors.

Bernie was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Over 50’s Club at the church. Upon retiring, he served as a volunteer with SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) and enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. His interests include walking, reading, cribbage and bridge. He and Mary also enjoyed spending several months a year visiting Orange Beach, AL and Cape Cod, MA. They also looked forward to monthly overnight visits to Harrah’s Casino in Council Bluffs.

His loving wife, Mary, passed away in 2016 after 61 years of marriage. Following her death, Bernie was able to do some traveling visiting San Diego and Cape Cod enjoying family and friends.

Bernie was also preceded in death by his parents, Nora and Bernard Burns, and three sisters Elizabeth Hennig, Carolyn Burns, and Patricia Mahoney.

Survivors include his children, B. John (Pam) Burns of Johnston, IA, Mary Burns (Kim Watson) of San Diego, CA, and Susan (Stephen) Morrison of West Des Moines Iowa. He is also survived by his sister, Eleanor (Henry) Kempton of Williamsville, NY.

Grandchildren include Stephanie (Stuart) Keisman and Andrew (Laura) Axne, both of Grandview, MO, Bobby Prine (Megan), San Diego, CA and Kristie Keener, Des Moines, IA; step-grandchildren Amy (Dave) Marotz, Woodbury, MN, Will (Toni) Morrison, West Des Moines, IA, and Rorie Morrison, Woodbury, MN; great-grandchildren include Haley Howell, John and Nathan Keisman, Elina and Issac Bernard Axne; step-great-grandchildren, Alex and Justin Marotz; and great-great-granddaughter, Ivory (Ivy) Howell.

Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Tuesday, October 25 at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled at 10 am on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines. Burial will be held at Resthaven Cemetery following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Sacred Heart Church.