Gerald E. Burns, 88 of Norway, IN passed away at his residence surrounded by his family at 1:00 am Friday April 12,2024. He was born in Norway on October 14,1935 to the late Edward G. and Ima Blanche Luse Burns. Gerald lived his entire life in Norway.

He attended Monticello Schools. He worked for Red Orf’s Bait Shop gathering bait-shad, minnows, and crawfish -and also helped in the shop. He served 3 years active duty in the National Guard 293 Infantry where he qualified as a sharpshooter. When Gerald was 18, beneath the Norway Dam, he saved a boy from drowning. At an early age he went to work for his neighbor Russ Hornback, where he learned to operate heavy equipment, which became his lifetime career. Gerald was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local #103 Indianapolis.   He helped build bridges in White County and surrounding areas. He also helped to build the large ferris wheel and the suspension bridge at Indiana Beach. Gerald loved to hunt mushrooms, wild game, and especially loved to fish. He knew and understood the waters of Norway Dam and the river like the back of his hand. His biggest joy was taking his entire family fishing. He took his family fishing for almost 40 years in Wisconsin and Michigan. On November 27,1960 (Thanksgiving Day) he married Judy Bush. They were married for 63 years and lived in the same house for 63 years,

He is survived by his beloved wife Judy, daughter Michelle (Bart) Cripe of Westfield, Todd (Leslie) Burns of Monon, Brad (Mary) Burns of Monticello, Brian (Heather) Burns of Monticello, and Heather (Greg) Foxworthy of Zionsville. 12 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and 3 step great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by an infant son Dennis Eugene Burns.

Friends may call on Tuesday, April 16th from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Miller Roscka Funeral Home. Services will follow at 5:00 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Messer officiating.  Burial will be at Hughes Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to:  Fawn River State Fish Hatchery 6889 IN-327 Orland, IN 46776 or can be given at the funeral home.

 Miller-Roscka Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.