Wendy Ellen Burns

Our beloved Wendy Ellen Burns met Jesus on March 18, 2023 at 10:03 PM at the young age of 62 after succumbing to complications from esophageal cancer. This was Wendy’s 3rd battle with cancer. With her famous smile through it all, she remained optimistic, hopeful, and fought with all her might, trusting in God’s will until He called her home.

Wendy was born in Milwaukee to Harriette Burns-Hursh and the late William Burns on July 12, 1960. She grew up in Menomonee Falls, graduating from Menomonee Falls High School. She received her Bachelor of Science in Health Administration from The University of Phoenix in 2016 and was recently pursuing her Master’s. Wendy was dedicated to serving her community. She worked at Froedtert Hospital for 20 years as a Scheduling Coordinator. In 2019, she began working at Advocate Aurora, where she wore many hats serving patients and their families until her passing.

Wendy and her former spouse, Michael Jannusch, raised three children in West Allis where they spent much of their time together socializing with friends, hosting parties and bible studies, and attending events for their children. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. You could find her on the weekends attending various events for her family, planning game nights, or finding time to get together for a meal or to bake cookies.

Wendy was the definition of sunshine; her smile was contagious and could brighten the worst of days. She was loving, silly, compassionate, and truly selfless. She brought joy and warmth to everyone who she met by bringing out their best with a smile or a laugh.

Wendy truly lived life to the fullest, by attending any and every festival, enjoying the outdoors, visiting Camp Webb, gardening, listening to music (especially the Eagles and Styx) and capturing photos to share with loved ones. If she wasn’t outdoors, you could find her socializing on Facebook, watching her favorite movie (The Sound of Music), completing a puzzle, craft project, or playing her violin.

Later in life, Wendy met her match, Mark Losik. They found a deep sense of comfort together over the years and supported each other unconditionally through many of life’s challenges.

Wendy Ellen Burns was greatly loved and will be missed every single day by her three children Melissa (Mark) Jannusch Pflugradt, Daniel Jannusch, and Sarah Jannusch; mother, Harriette Burns-Hursh and stepfather Oliver Hursh. She also leaves behind her two brothers Scott (Julie) Burns and Dr. William (Gretchen) Burns; partner Mark Losik; her two grandchildren Samuel Pflugradt and Abigail Pflugradt, a niece and nephews and former spouse Michael Jannusch.

Please remember to look for Wendy in the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, any bright colored flowers, and music that makes you want to dance. She was a bright, loving, creative sole. She will be deeply missed.

“Forever and always our Wendy.”

Her service will be held on May 20, 2023 at Evangel Assembly of God (9920 Good Hope Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53224) from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. There will be a picnic to follow at Menomonee Picnic Area 2 (W220 N7884 Town Line Road, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051) from 3:00 PM – sunset. We will provide light snacks and a few drinks.