Jerry Burns

Burns, Jerome "Jerry" Monahan 94, of Eden Prairie, MN passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on May 12, 2021. Jerry was born on January 24, 1927 in Detroit MI, the youngest of eight children in a close knit Irish family. Jerry graduated from Detroit Catholic Central High School. Like his brothers before him, he served his country in the military by joining the Navy at age 17. At the University of Michigan, Jerry was part of the 1950 Rose Bowl Championship team. Graduating with a degree in Physical Education and a love of sports, his coaching career spanned high school level to NFL: from positions at the University of Hawaii to Whittier College CA to Detroit's St. Mary's of Redford High School. In 1954 Jerry went on to the University of Iowa, coaching 12 seasons, the last 5 years as Head Coach. In 1966, he joined Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packer staff, winning Super Bowls I and II. A prior relationship with Bud Grant and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers led to Jerry joining Bud's Vikings staff in 1968 as Offensive Coordinator. Jerry and Bud enjoyed a great friendship for over 50 years. During their coaching time together, the Vikings had many successful seasons including four Super Bowl appearances. In 1986 Jerry was named Head Coach of the Vikings. Highlights were taking the team to the 1987 NFC championship game and winning the 1989 NFC Central Division. Jerry retired as Head Coach in 1991, but remained close to the Minnesota Vikings organization. He formed lasting relationships with players, coaches, and Viking personnel. In 2005, Jerry was inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor. We are deeply grateful for all of the love and support from the Vikings, the fans, and the entire community. Jerry would often comment that the fans and people of Minnesota were the greatest. Jerry was married to the love of his life Marlyn for 66 years. Jerry and Marlyn raised five children; their love and dedication to each other and to family was truly a life lesson. Survived by his wife Marlyn; son Mike (Connie) Burns; daughters Erin Burns-Gaarder, Kelly (Amir) Amighi, Kathy (Todd) Siegfried, and Kerry (Troy) Erickson. Jerry was adored by his 15 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Jerry will always be remembered for his deep love of family and friends, his sense of humor and humility. He will be truly missed and will be fondly remembered for enjoying a round of golf in his beloved Jamaica. Visitation will be May 25th, 4-8 p.m. at Washburn-McReavy, Eden Prairie Chapel. Private funeral mass for family and friends on May 26th, 10:30 a.m. at Pax Christi Catholic Community. (Service can be viewed on paxchristi.com). Private interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in memory of Jerry to the Minnesota Vikings Foundation serving at risk youth (Vikings.com) or the charity of your choice. Washburn-McReavy.com Eden Prairie Chapel 952-975-0400 7625 Mitchell Rd. (1 blk. N. of Hwy 5)

Tributes

Jerry Burns

January 24, 1927 - May 12, 2021

Tributes

Jerry Burns

January 24, 1927 - May 12, 2021

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203