Frank Burns Jr.

Frank Burns Jr.

Iowa City

Frank Burns Jr., 84, died peacefully August 7, 2025 with his loving children at his side. With deep love and amazing memories, we celebrate the life of Frank Burns Jr., a beloved man and public servant. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 11 AM in the Day Chapel at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. The family will greet friends from 10 AM to 11 AM. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Frank was born May 9, 1941 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa, the same place where he would meet his future wife, Dolores Zager and invite her on a date while in the utility closet of her nursing floor. He was a graduate of Regina High School's "First and Finest" Class of 1959. He then earned a degree in Criminal Justice from Kirkwood Community College.

Throughout his 15-year career at the Iowa City Police Department, he served as a Patrolman, Detective and a Juvenile Detective. He especially loved his work with kids and treated them with kindness and respect. Years later, his children would frequently encounter these same individuals, now adults, who would fondly remember and share how nice he had been to them during difficult times in their lives - a testament to his compassionate approach to law enforcement. He enjoyed the collaborative effort working with the schools and their counselors to help kids find a positive life path.

He later worked as an officer and investigator for the Iowa Department of Corrections. His dedication to public service and his belief in nurturing the next generation was evident throughout his impactful career.

Frank also gave back to law enforcement by mentoring young people through the explorer program at the Iowa City Police Department and later as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff when their explorer program was created. Frank grew up around law enforcement with his father who retired as the Iowa City Police Chief. To Frank, law enforcement was not a job but a calling. When "PIG" was uttered, he knew it stood for PRIDE, INTEGRITY and GUTS and always said you have to turn in your badge as untarnished as the day you got it.

Beyond his professional service, he was passionate about his kids. He loved coaching his daughter in basketball and son in baseball and football.

Frank was always a warm presence. He truly loved the simple pleasures in life; sparkling conversation over a cup of good coffee was a highlight of his day.

As a father, he was the perfect combination of strength and tenderness. A sweet and loving Dad, whom his children had great respect for. There was nothing they couldn't talk to him about.

Frank never missed an opportunity to tell his children and grandchildren that he loved them. "I love you" was not just a phrase for him. It was a promise he lived by. Frank's greatest accomplishment in his life was his family.

He took immense pride in his family and especially his grandchildren and his new great-granddaughter. Over the years he enjoyed many activities, trips and cherished moments spent with them. He enjoyed many evenings at the ball diamond watching his grandsons play baseball and could be heard cheering from his spot on the hill.

He enjoyed traveling with his wife and family. Some of his favorite trips were winters in Arizona, trips to Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico. In earlier years he and his family and friends spent many joyful summer days on their boat named the "We Four", waterskiing and tubing. He was a lifelong member of St. Patrick's Church and served on the parish council.

A cherished memory was his ability to speak in full conversation like Donald Duck, a talent that brought joy and laughter to people of all ages! When his children and grandchildren were young they would ask him to do it until his face hurt and his voice gave out.

Frank is survived by his daughter Diane (Gary) Rogers of Iowa City and son Frank III (Erin) of Solon; four grandchildren, Ryan (Holly) Rogers, Collin Rogers (Sean Easler), Oliver Burns, Violet Burns; and one great-granddaughter Rylee Rogers; his brother Gene Burns of Wisconsin; a brother-in-law; sister-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved cat Isabel.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dolores Burns and his parents, Frank and Minta (Rohret) Burns.

The Family extends their appreciation to some very special people at Windmill Manor, St. Croix Hospice and Legacy Pointe Assisted Living. Memorials may be made out to St. Croix Hospice, 3741 Center Point Rd NE - Suite A, Cedar Rapids, IA. 52402

Online condolences may be directed to www.lensingfuneral.com.