Kathleen "Kathy" M. Burns (Schultz)

life story

God Painted Her Beautiful!

For with God nothing will be impossible. Luke 1:37

About Kathy

On July 15, 2026, Kathleen M. Burns (Shultz)—loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister—passed away holding her children’s hands at the age of 74, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born June 5, 1952, in St. Paul, MN, to Milton and Leona Shultz. Preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Dennis Burns; parents, Milton and Leona; siblings, David, Judy Lohr, Sharon (Tiny) Smith, Milton, Joanne Falvey, LeeAnn Kuehn, and Debbie Sokolik; and son-in-law, William F. Lamar Jr. Survived by her children, Prudence Zilka (Brad) and Joseph; grandchildren, Alexis Johnson (Derek), Madison Lamar-Ragsdale (Kendrick), and Hunter Lamar (fiancé Elena); four great-grandchildren; sisters, Pat Kachel (Jim) and Vickie Eastlee (Bob); special niece, Aimee Navarro and honorary daughter, Ginnette Stacy.

Kathy grew up in the West 7th St. area of St. Paul—a neighborhood she wrote "was the best place to live" and frequently reminisced about. She cherished family above all else and loved spending time with her sisters and their families; every single one of them was important to her. She met her husband Denny when she was just 15. Though she always wanted to have a house full of kids, she’d often joke that God only let her keep the two best ones. She was endlessly devoted to them, taking an active role in Prudy’s dancing and Joe’s baseball.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Kathy worked for Control Data before following her true calling: working with and supporting children. She spent 27 intermittent years with South Washington County Schools in various support roles, fulfilling her dream of being surrounded by kids every day. Over the years, she served at Pullman Elem, Pinehill Elem, Armstrong Elem, Oltman Jr. High, Woodbury Jr., Lake Jr., Park High School, the District Service Center, and worked with children at the Anne Pierce Rogers Battered Women’s Shelter when it was located in St. Paul Park.

Kathy was also remarkably creative. As a talented seamstress, she ran a small home business mending clothes for community members, hemming prom dresses, fixing zippers, and sewing patches onto military uniforms (including her daughter’s) and Tennis’ Sanitation work shirts. Alongside her equally talented sisters, she loved partaking in local craft fairs over the years, where their handmade Zubaz were always a crowd favorite (including her son’s).

She loved to fish, spend summers on the lake, and explore the beauty of Minnesota. In later years, she was able to travel to Mexico, exploring the wonders of the Yucatán. But her heart was always fullest when she was with her kids. She fought so hard these past years to stay near them, never wanting to miss out on watching and sharing in whatever made them happy.

Her proudest and most cherished role, however, was being “Grandma.” It truly filled her heart to overflowing. She leaves an indelible mark on her grandchildren's lives, and her family prays that the lessons of resilience, kindness, and laughter she taught them will be carried forward for generations. Kathy was an inspiration to so many. Her strength, kindness, and unconditional love will leave a lasting space in many hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Household of Faith Church, 1090 Chicago Ave., St. Paul Park, MN. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. A light dinner will be served immediately following.

The evening will conclude by watching the sunset together at the Oheyawahi-Pilot Knob Sacred Site (2100 Pilot Knob Rd, Mendota Heights, MN). Attendance at the sunset gathering is optional; it sits adjacent to the cemetery where Kathy will spend eternity with Denny, overlooking the area where they grew up and near where both of their parents are laid to rest.

Memorials preferred.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

August 6, 2026

Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. A light dinner will be served immediately following.

The evening will conclude by watching the sunset together at the Oheyawahi-Pilot Knob Sacred Site (2100 Pilot Knob Rd, Mendota Heights, MN). Attendance at the sunset gathering is optional; it sits adjacent to the cemetery where Kathy will spend eternity with Denny, overlooking the area where they grew up and near where both of their parents are laid to rest.

Memorials preferred.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services