Joseph Burns

Aug 13, 1966 -

Sep 11, 2023

Longtime Wasilla, Alaska, resident Joseph Patrick Burns, 57, passed away on Sept. 11, 2023, while staying at Mat-Su Reginal Hospital in Palmer, Alaska.

Mr. Burns was born on Aug. 13, 1966, at the United States Air Force Hospital in Torrejon, Spain. He graduated from high school in Fairfield, Ohio, in 1984.

Mr. Burns came to Alaska in March 1984, where he started his career as an automobile servicer technician. His employment was with Army Air Force Exchange Service in Fort Richardson, Alaska, from 1985 thru 1996; with House of Tires in Wasilla from 1996 to 2001; with Nugent's Ranch in Wasilla from 2001 to 2007; and with Mister Lube in Wasilla from 2007 to 2015.

In his spare time, he loved visiting Hatcher Pass, doing lawn and garden work, woodworking, putting puzzles together and reading his mystery novels. Joe's love for his parents and siblings was an inspiration to his family and friends.

He is survived by his parents, George and Mary Lee Burns of Wasilla; brother, Christopher (Karen) of Kansas; sister, Catherine (Jeff) of Texas; sister, Caroline (Robert) of Wasilla; and sister, Julie (Dexter) of Anchorage, Alaska. He also had many nieces, nephews and cousins, an aunt and an uncle.

Joe was preceded in death by his brother, Mark Allen Burns. He is also survived by his ex-wife, Gretchen of Palmer.