Jack Burrows

Jack Burrows, 87, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Heritage House in Atlantic.

Jack Edward was born on November 11, 1937, in Bethany, Missouri, the son of Robert Romeo and Esther Anne (Wurtz) Burrows. He was the second youngest of seven siblings and they were all very close. He enjoyed fishing and riding horses with them. Jack attended school in Bethany and his routine throughout his childhood was to go to school and then back home to help on the farm. His years at home left him with interesting stories to share with his family. He graduated from Bethany High School in the Class of 1956.

One night at a bonfire with friends, Florence McDaniel caught his eye and after the couple dated for three years they were united in marriage on May 21, 1960, at the First Christian Church in Bethany, Missouri. The couple spent countless hours working side by side in "Jack's Garden" and canned a large portion of their harvest. In retirement they enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels, attending craft shows to sell his specialty clocks made out of agate rock, traveling and spending winters in Mission, Texas for 22 years.

Jack entered the United States Army and received his basic training at Fort Ord. After being stationed in California Jack and Florence returned to Bethany, Missouri and he started working at the local utility company and also worked as a farm hand and was a member of the volunteer fire department. In 1966, he accepted an offer and started his career at Atlantic Municipal Utilities. It wasn't just a job to him he took pride in making sure those in town and in surrounding rural areas had power even if that meant being out on blustery snowy or thunderstorm filled nights making repairs, making numerous friends along the way. He worked his way through the ranks starting as lineman (at a time where they still physically climbed the poles) and retired in 1997, as a foreman after 32 years of service.

He was an active member of the United Church of Christ, volunteering in many capacities. Jack was a little league coach for many years and a proud supporter of AHS athletics, taking tickets and watching the games. If he wasn't inside the house or the garden, he was likely in his shop making his clocks and various things out of wood including flower boxes, tables and bug catchers for the grandkids. Jack's ability to think of something he wanted to make with no pattern or instructions was amazing. When he decided what he wanted to create, he thought it through and troubleshooted if needed, all resulting in a beautiful piece.

Family came first and oh did the grandkids have a big piece of his heart. He attended their sporting events, took them fishing, grew them their very own pumpkin patch and played ball with them. Jack never hesitated to help people or strike up a conversation whether it be a longtime friend, acquaintance or complete stranger, he had the ability to connect with people. Do you think it could have been his radiant smile, his firm handshake, or his orneriness? Jack was one to play by the rules!

Jack is survived by his wife of 65 years, Florence, who will definitely miss his smile; daughters, Ruth Christensen and Rhonda (Dave) Ross; son, Robert (Shelly) Burrows; grandchildren, Misty (Brian) Kepner, Seth Christensen, Chad (Morgan) Christensen, Rachel (Keith) Knop, Matt Wohlleber, Jennifer (CJ) Dunn-Jones, and James Burrows; great-grandchildren, Royce, Quinn and Piper Kepner, Cydney (Eric) Shriver, Saige Huss (fiancé, Dustin Engel), Rylie and Reese Knop, Elle, Jase, Vaelin, Taevin, Nevaros, Zeke, Sophie and Delila; great-great-grandchildren, Ezra and Enzo Shriver and Reini Engel; grandson-in-law, Jason Dunn; brother-in-law, Carl Glenn; several nieces and nephews; and many extended family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Esther Burrows and his siblings, George (Mary) Burrows, Don (Anna Mae) Burrows, Robert (Winifred) Burrows, Vera (Earl) Combs, Marjorie (Rex) Walker, and Martha Glenn.

Visitation with the family present will begin at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 7th at the United Church of Christ in Atlantic, followed by the funeral service at 11:30 a.m., at the church. Immediately following the service, the family invites you to join them for lunch and fellowship.

A private family burial will be held in the Atlantic Cemetery. In honor of Jack’s time in the service the Atlantic Color Guard will perform a flag presentation ceremony.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Jack’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com