Christopher Burr

CHRISTOPHER BURR

Cedar Rapids

Christopher Robert Burr, 66, of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, after succumbing to cancer. Memorial services: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. A visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Surviving to honor his memory is his loving family: daughter, Heather J. Burr, husband, Jeff Strickler, granddaughters, Eleanor and Athena, and grandson, Quinn, of Walla Walla, Wash.; and daughter, Erin C. Burr, friend, Craig Goldsmith, and grandson, Everett, of Cedar Rapids; and brothers, Stephen Burr (Kristy) of Tama and Fredrick Burr (Mary Ellen) of Des Moines.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Beth Ann (Birtwistle); infant daughter, Hillary Jane; and his parents.

Chris loved his family, and sought beauty and spirituality in nature and art. Home was with his family beside his flowers, patio and in the trout stream at Decorah. When he couldn't fish, he liked to see his grandchildren, paint and write poetry. One of his favorite quotes was from Scott Adams: "Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." He exhibited strength when he lost his wife and dignity when he faced his death.

Chris was born Dec. 29, 1948, to Dr. Charles Burr and Helen (Watkins) Burr. He was a 1967 graduate of Roosevelt High School. He graduated from Luther College, where he met and married Beth Ann Birtwistle on June 4, 1972. He spent six years in the Iowa National Guard as First Lieutenant, Signal Corps. He worked as a manager and supervisor for Alliant Electric until he retired in January 2007. Chris was president of his bonsai club and an active member of Lovely Lane United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be directed to the family in Chris' memory.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.