Louise Janet Burton

Louise was born to George & Marie Bokinskie on September 12, 1935, right after her twin brother Louis. The twins were lovingly referred to as Bud & Sis by their older siblings Donna, Dorothy and Alvina (Fritz). Louise grew up in Sauk Center, Minnesota. She had so many, interesting, fun stories of her childhood in the small town. After graduating from high school, she ventured to Minneapolis with her sister, Fritz. Living right downtown, she was able to find a job working at the 1st National Bank. She was honored when they gave her the opportunity to be the first employee to use their new high tech device...the calculator!! On her 21st birthday, she met her companion for life, Ronald Burton. After 4 years of dating, she and Ron were married on the 4th of July. Within 5 years, Suzanne, Thomas and Julie were born. Ron & Louise had purchased a home in Deephaven that was in a neighborhood filled with kids of all ages and wonderful neighbors. This was their forever home. Their yard was spacious enough that Louise was able to create beautiful gardens with flowers & plants of every variety. It was a wonderful place for her to raise a family. Family & friends always looked forward to the 4th of July when Ron & Louise would invite all to celebrate in their backyard. Today, we still reminisce about playing horseshoes, lighting off firecrackers, the prime rib cooking all day on the rotisserie and then walking to Excelsior to watch the fireworks over Lake Minnetonka. It was always a wonderful time. The next 18 years were difficult, stressful years after learning that son Tom, had Muscular Dystrophy. Louise remained strong & supportive as Tom's strength continued to weaken and his ability to walk diminish. All 3 of Louise's children were very smart. The intelligence that Tom had, made it possible for him to live a rather normal life, even with his disabilities. When he was ready to move out of the house to go to college at the University of Minnesota, studying electrical engineering, Louise knew she had done the best she could and everything was going to be ok. After becoming 'empty nesters' when Julie left for college, Louise needed something to do to keep herself busy. Louise LOVED babies, creatures of all kinds, and chocolate...in that order. An opportunity arose for her to start caring for a Deephaven couple's new baby. Welcome Amy! Louise enjoyed caring for Amy so much! She actually became more like a daughter/granddaughter to both Louise & Ron. Word got around in the community about how wonderful Louise was, she had more families come to her to see if she would be able to care for their children. Louise found herself in the daycare business! For the next 20 years, Louise helped raise wonderful children that would go on to be successful, young adults. They all had a special place in her heart. And the families had a special place in their heart for Louise. One very generous 'client' (again, more like a family member), was so grateful to Louise for all she did for her kids, gave Louise the present to travel anywhere in the world. Louise chose Lake Tahoe. It was a treasured gift. After visiting the horse track, Canterbury Downs, Louise learned she had a knack for betting on the horses. One year, she was awarded as one of the top handicappers out there. She knew the horses & the jockeys, but she mainly betted on the horses by their name & color! She and Ron spent many weekends with their close friends, John & Dee, traveling to horse tracks, dog tracks and casinos. She loved playing Keno! It was wonderful that they finally had the time to just enjoy life without worrying about their kids. After Suzanne married Peter Pittel, they eventually built a home on Whiskey Lake in Brandon, Minnesota. This became a wonderful getaway place for Louise & Ron. They loved to go up there to fish, golf and enjoy nature. In 1999, Louise had to deal with the death of her son to Muscular Dystrophy. She knew it would happen one day, but when it did, it was unexpected. The years following Tom's death, Louise witnessed both her daughters dealing with breast cancer. Julie was diagnosed first and then Suzanne. She could offer support, but couldn't stop the cancer beast from taking her first born from her. The day before Suzanne died, she asked Louise for a 'mommy hug'. Louise was such a strong woman. When the Covid Pandemic struck, it had a huge impact on the social life for Louise. She and Ron had been going to the horse track most weekends where Louise had made so many friends, from the patrons to the staff. Once closed because of Covid, Louise was isolated in her home with just the company of Ron and limited visits from Julie and her husband John. Not having regular conversations and mental stimulation that comes from family, friends, strangers may have been what brought on the dementia that Louise started to really struggle with in June of this year. Alzheimers eventually had its grasp on Louise and she entered Emerald Crest memory care in September. Louise died from the effects of Alzheimers on November 16th, with Ron, Julie and John by her side.

Tributes

Louise Janet Burton

September 12, 1935 - November 16, 2021

Tributes

Louise Janet Burton

September 12, 1935 - November 16, 2021

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