John Burian Sr. Was born into this life with a
big bang. He was born on the 4th of July during the time the fireworks were going off.
John and Sandra went to Nathan Hale High School in West Allis. They knew each other, but
did not even like each other for years. But on July 4th 1963 John and 2 buddies were
cruising Wisconsin Avenue in Milwaukee and picked up Sandra and a girlfriend on a street
corner. The romance started that night. They started going "Steady" and
exchanged class rings before the senior year started. They were indeed "High School
Sweethearts".
It was a love story thru that last year of
school. They went everywhere together: Homecoming. Sweetheart Dance, Prom &
Graduation. On Christmas John & Sandra got "Secretly Engaged" John gave
Sandra a pearl ring with diamonds as a 1st engagement ring because all parents would not
let them "get engaged". But this is the ring they always considered to be her
engagement ring.
They got married on June 5th, 1965. That was the
beginning of a life long marriage ( of 32 1/2 years ), including many hard times: 3 house
fires, problems and difficulties but they stood firm together in their love for each
other.
On December 23, 1969, their family began. John
Jr. was born. They had 5 children in 5 1/2 years. John Jr., James, Angela, Heidi and Adam.
This was the start of John becoming a devoted, loving and involved father. John spent
every minute with his children. When they moved to Mauston, John became a Boy Scout
Master, Cub Scout Leader, and 4-H Assistant. He threw his whole being into his family. In
4-H, he helped all the children show and win awards for pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits,
vegetables &photo exhibits. Lots of trophies were won. Unfortunately, the trophies
were destroyed in the fires.
Being a Scout Master was a very large part of his
life. He came up with the idea of a "Haunted Mansion" for fund-raising so that
not 1 scout had to put out any money for any camping or any activities of which were many.
Only John could accomplish what it took to make the Mansion work.
He talked so many businesses into donating
anything and everything he needed. The scouts and parents would work for about 5 months to
have the mansion open maybe 4 weekends. It was a professional mansion and in 1 paper it
was rated #1 in the state. John & Sandra were the head ghouls , plus Sandra's Brother,
Scott, and a Brother-in-Law ,Greg Swagel. We did not know who had more fun in the Mansion,
the adults & scouts or the paying customers. It really was the adults. The best year
brought in $4,500.00 and all going to his Scout Troop.
At the same time John & Sandra had a small
happy farm, where extended family members became involved with anything from harvesting
hay,corn, and mucking out the barn. They had over 120 sheep at a time, plus 3 milking
goats. What a great time we all had. We all roared whenever Aunt Kim came to the farm
because the 3 geese would chase her around the entire yard.
When the family moved to Oregon , WI. He got
involved with the "Jail and Bail" for the American Cancer Society. He raised the
most money 1 year and they asked him to be the organizer for the next year.
John would present a very good first impression,
no matter where or when. Everybody liked him when they first met him. He was the type of
person who would do anything for any person at any time. John was a perfectionist, no
matter what the project was, large or small everything had to be perfect. He would have
all his children out helping smooth out cement, dig trenches, level ground for a swimming
pool and it had to be perfect. If anything was not perfect, even by an inch, it had to be
done over again.
John and Sandra did not have a chance to do any
traveling together until the badgers went to the rose bowl. It was THEIR FIRST BIG TRIP.
They left by car on Dec. 26 and were the last ones to arrive back in Wisconsin, they were
gone 28 days.
They happen to discover Laughlin, NV. That was
it. They really developed a love for the desert and South-West Style.
Johns dream in the last years of his life was to
move to Bullhead City, Arizona. They even had the house up for sale and were looking into
buying a business in Bullhead City. This was their perfect dream because of John and
Sandra's Love of Quarter Slots. Only the Colorado river and bridge separated Bullhead city
from Laughlin, NV which they both loved. Even though John never won he would stay up all
night starting with quarters, When he ran out he would move onto nickels.
John & Sandra made several trips in the last
four years. He loved to travel and visit his children in Texas, Tennessee, and Georgia.
They combined visits with being a tourist. They loved going to Southfork Ranch in Dallas,
Graceland , and Nashville in Tenn. was their favorite. John loved Opryland at X-mas time
and loved the Wild Horse Saloon, even spending New Years Eve at the Wild Horse 1 year.
John and Sandra loved to go on 3 day trips to all the gambling boats.
Johns life was cut short at only 52 but he was so
happy to see all his children become adults. He was the must proud and loving grandfather
that ever was. He was so excited as every Grandbaby came. He had the honor to actually
watch 2 of his grandchildren being born; Sandra Lee and Angel Nicole. He loved all his
grandchildren equally. They were all so perfect and the fun and joy of playing with all of
them. As the last 3 babies were born his health was getting worse, but he loved to just
hold them on his lap. The night before he died, he was sleeping and Angela walked in with
baby Angel who we always called Mouse as they walked into the hospital room Sandra yelled
out "Is there a MOUSE in the house?" and John opened up his eyes, reached out
his arms and held Mouse for a few minutes. This was the last thing he did before he died.
He also got to see Sandra Lee a few times in the hospital. John has 8 grandchildren
John James ( J.J.) Burian
Elizabeth Burian
Sandra Lee Chritton
Angel Nicole Burian
Brian Burian
Tomas Burian
Steven Burian
Savanah Burian
We know he is looking down from Heaven watching
& protecting all of us.
John knowing his death was near had 2 wishes-1)to
buy an old El Camino which he had hoped to restore. 2) and to spend his last Christmas in
Nashville with his entire family. He was so happy that most of his family including most
of his grandchildren were able to all get together. This was the most important trip of
his life.
Everyone who knew John will deeply miss him. He
will leave a void that can never be filled. His family knows that he will always be near
us and helps to guide all of us. We will never let his memory be forgotten, and we will
always pass his memory on to all the babies. John is with the Angels in Heaven now
completely free of all the pain he was in for at least 2 years. No one but Sandra knows
how bad John was suffering and in pain. John would rest up and look his best and try not
to show his pain to anyone. John we will miss you and love you forever and we will see you
again in HEAVEN.
Sandra didn't just lose her husband, she lost her
best friend, a confidant, someone to take vacations with, someone to help take care of
everything.
Sandra and all of the family would like to
sincerely thank Tim & Michelle, Kim & Marja who were with the family and holding
and praying all together around John as he took his last breaths. It meant allot to have
so much support with the family. Thank you so very much!!!
To Sandra and the rest of the Burian Family we
will love, support, and comfort you through this difficult time. We must now say goodbye
to a man who was much more than any one person can say.
WITH ALL OUR LOVE WE NOW SAY GOODBYE TO
JOHN ALLEN BURIAN SR.
|
