John O. Burt, age 86 of Fountain City, passed away on Friday, September 6, 2019 at St. Michael’s Assisted Living, Fountain City. He was born on March 24, 1933 in Buffalo County to Wendell and Ethel (Peterson) Burt. John married Frances Sing on November 7, 1959 at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, Fountain City. To this marriage, two sons, Dan and Tim, were born.
John grew up on a farm in rural Independence and served his country in the Army during the Korean War. He was a hardworking man who held many construction-related jobs before starting the first basement contracting business in the area. Even though John “retired” from this business in his 40’s, he continued to work seven days a week primarily on his many rental properties.
John also spent a lot of time (and money!) on another passion – that being a collector of old cars and other treasures (don’t call it junk). He loved to buy old and unique things - a house with a 55 ton boulder in it for instance. He and Frances attended many car shows, swap meets and auctions. Unlike many other old car enthusiasts however, he didn’t spend much time washing and polishing his cars; rather, he favored “rusty”. His collecting led to the need to buy additional properties to store his treasures including the local brewery, lumber yard, implement dealership and school.
He also enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and making them laugh with his funny stories and silly antics. The grandkids still laugh about Grandpa doing headstands into his 70’s.
John will be sadly missed by his wife of 59 years, Frances; son Tim (Rosemary) of Stillwater, MN and their children Matt (Nicole), Adam, Sarah and Andrew; daughter-in-law Brenda Burt of Fountain City and her children Jill (Patrick) Thomas, Mark and Jeni; great-grandchildren Connor and Emma; brothers Wendell Jr. (Cindy) and Dennis (Marilyn); in-laws Richard Sing, Mary Mueller, Ed (Joyce) Sing, Gretchen Burt, and Ken Zukoski; aunt Verna Gunderson; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Dan, sister Joan Zukoski, brother David and multiple brothers and sisters-in-law.
A funeral service will be held at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, Fountain City on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 1:00 pm with Pastor Kenley Mann officiating. A visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 5:00 – 8:00 pm as well as one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will be held at Fountain City Public Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Michael’s Lutheran Church of Fountain City or the Fountain City Fire Department building fund.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Michael’s Assisted Living for their special care of John during his final months.
