Most goodbyes suck – there's no way around it. No one wants to say goodbye to someone they love; someone who's been there to guide you through the important events of your lives; someone who has mentored and shaped you into the people you are today; someone who has…simply put…been there. And saying goodbye over a video call makes the ordeal even more difficult to let go. But Pat and Kelli knew it was time. Their mom, Joanne, feisty as ever and a fighter to the end, really had no intention of saying her goodbyes anytime soon, often joking she was going to haunt them for another 10 years. But when the body gives out, even the best intentions sometimes aren't enough. As the horrible combination of COVID and pneumonia claimed another victim just two days after Christmas, Pat and Kelli were comforted in knowing their dad Bill was there to embrace her and continue their journey together that was interrupted 24 years ago. Joanne Burns was called home Sunday evening, December 27, 2020, at the age of 78. She was born July 3, 1942, in Milwaukee to Henry and Rose Schmid. She was the oldest of four siblings. Joanne met Bill in the late 1960s after walking into his West Allis bar, Bill and Chuck's Gateway Tap. Even though she was out on a date that night with someone else, he wasn't the one. Bill was destined to be the one, and they married soon thereafter. Throughout their relationship, Bill would often write her cute little notes, and sign them The Phantom. In fact, Joanne carried one of the notes in her purse till the day she passed. It was getting very old, so Kelli had it laminated years ago to preserve it. The note read, "One year of no smoking to the most important person who ever lived," and it was signed from Kelli, Pat and The Phantom. The kids don't know why their dad used The Phantom moniker; guess that's one mystery that will forever remain between their parents – Bill probably wants it that way too. One of the many things she loved about Bill was his family, which to put it mildly, was big. Anyone familiar with the Burns family knows they probably account for more than half of the population of Edgerton, Wisconsin. Family was important to Joanne, and all of the Edgerton clan embraced her – which is exactly what she wanted. One of her missions in life was for her and Bill to create a childhood for Pat and Kelli filled with memories and special moments – and that they did. Weekends spent camping, road trips to Walt Disney World and other points in between; their home above the bar and the one on Mitchell Street were go-to places that were fun and inviting. Joanne was a second mom to many of their friends. That's one of her lasting legacies that will live on. Her caring, loving and accepting traits helped fulfill her goal of making Pat and Kelli's younger years a cherished time for them. As the kids grew older and were setting off on their lives, Joanne and Bill were excited to embark on their next stage of their lives as well. But that was suddenly cut short when Bill passed in 1996. That sadness never really left her; that next chapter for them was never written, never completed. But what filled her heart was her family, her faith, and eventually becoming a grandmother to eight wonderful children. She remained close in Pat and Kelli's lives through the years and stayed active in her church. Watching her grandchildren grow up undoubtedly reminded Joanne of her mission of creating special memories for them as well. By looking at all the photos of her playing with her grandchildren, she definitely did that. Creating memories is such an important thing for families, especially when those memories begin to fade. In the last few years, dementia slowly started taking their toll on her. At times you catch yourself getting frustrated; your patience runs short. But then you recognize that beyond the surface-level forgetfulness and quirks associated with these draining diseases, your mom is still there. She's still as feisty, funny and loving as she's always been, and she's still creating special moments and memories for you. Only now, she gets to resume making new ones with The Phantom. She was preceded in death by the love of her life Bill Burns; her parents Henry and Rose (Sedlachek) Schmid, sister Marilyn Schmid, and step daughter Lori Kuphal (Burns). Survived by her son Patrick (Shelley); daughter Kelli (Donald); stepdaughter Kathy; brother David; and sister Martha (Nick). Further survived by her grandchildren Matthew (Audrey); Jeffrey; Sara; Kaitlyn; Aidan; Billy; SeanPatrick; and Lily, as well as her niece Natalie, and her much loved Burns family. Memorial Visitation at the Funeral Home will be held Thursday, January 7th from 5-7pm, with a short memorial to follow at 7PM. Due to limitations on the sizes of public gatherings during the pandemic, there will be a live stream available, Click here to view the stream. for those unable to attend. Everyone's personal safety should come first and foremost and we understand if you are not comfortable attending, however we welcome those who'd like the opportunity to pay their respects in person. Obituary written by our dear family friend Steve Staedler. strong>Prasser-Kleczka Funeral Home South Suburban Chapel 6080 S. 27th Street 414-282-6080