Terry Burns, age 68, of Loves Park, Illinois passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 18, 2024 surrounded by family. He was born November 3, 1955 in Rockford, Illinois to Wayland and Billie Burns. Terry served in the US Army from 1973 to 1977 working on control panels in helicopters. He married his high school sweetheart, Carol Bartholomew, in 1976. He began his career in 1977 at Ingersoll Milling Machine, holding many different positions, and retired in 2022. Terry received his private pilot’s license and loved the freedom of flying. He loved to read everything he could get his hands on, camping, target shooting, talking politics, avid sports fan of the Rockford Ice Hogs, Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Notre Dame, but most of all he loved spending time with his family. His love and generosity in life led him to be an organ donor and tissue donor so he will live on in many ways.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; his daughters Michelle (Pete) Risley and Erin Gray (Brian Livingston); his 6 grandchildren, Michael, Samantha, Christian, Nicholas, Thomas, and Lucy; his mother Billie Shores, a very special sister-in-law Linda Riggins; and many extended family members and friend. Preceded in death by his father, Wayland; his brother Bob; his grandparents; and his in-laws Richard and Gloria Bartholomew.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd., Machesney Park, Illinois 61115. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 26 at 10 a.m. at Sunset Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Shriners Children’s Hospital or Gift of Hope Community Foundation (organ and tissue donor network).