Lathan J. Burton

Lathan J. (Burt) Burton— “I lived a good long life”, words from Burt, age 92, who passed away on Friday January 26, 2024, at New Perspective Memory Care in Howard WI.

Burt was born on January 12, 1932 to the late Lester and Nina (Bieski) Burton. He graduated from Oshkosh High School and served in the Naval Reserve. He started at the Oshkosh Fire Department in October 1959 and worked there until he retired in January 1995 as an Equipment Operator.

On September 19, 1959 he married Marilyn A. Gauger and they were married 55 years. Marilyn preceded him in death on December 26, 2014. Together they enjoyed spending time with their friends and family. In the early years Burt was an avid bowler, even bowling a 300 game. He enjoyed spending time at the Burton Family Tree Farm driving his John Deere tractor and mower. He loved cooking both at home and for his fellow firefighters. In later years, his advice would be to “eat the dessert first”. He and Marilyn traveled to Arizona for the winter months and enjoyed the warmer weather there. He adored his granddaughter, Cassandra.

There are many fond memories: camping trips, visits to friends’ cottages, trips to New Mexico and Las Vegas, and weekends at the mobile home. Burt loved people and was very friendly and gregarious. He loved to tell stories. It seemed like everywhere he went he knew somebody, and if he didn’t know anyone then he just talked and made a new friend. Over the years Burt and Marilyn had several dogs that they loved: Christy, Cuddles, Sydney, and last but not least Megan.

Burt is survived by one daughter, Lori (Mike) Bertolini of Green Bay; one granddaughter, Cassandra (Dylan) of Ludlow VT; one brother-in-law Joe (Becky) Frank of Oshkosh. He is also survived by nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by one son, Cary Burton; one sister- & brother-in-law Shirley (Bob) Mainwaring; two sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Sharon (Bob) Wood; and Joyce (Neil) Marsh; two brothers-in-law Carlyle Gauger and Ralph Gauger; in-laws Mary Gauger Frank and Joe Frank Sr.

Memorial Service will be at 11:30 AM on Sunday February 18, 2024, at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home, 100 Lake Pointe Dr. Oshkosh WI 54904. Family and friends may visit at the funeral home from 10 AM until the time of the service at 11:30 AM. Inurnment will take place at Lake View Memorial Park at a later date.

Special thanks to Joe Frank, Toni (Paul) Wood, and Ann (Jeff) Stark who have always been there to help and support us.

Thanks to all the staff at New Perspective who took such good care of Burt for 7+ years. Your kindness and compassion will always be remembered.

Also, special thanks to his Unity Hospice team for so long—Tara and Karen RN’s, Lori SW, Sue Personal Care Worker, and Steve Pastoral Care. I really appreciated the weekly updates, especially during COVID when I couldn’t do in-person visits. Also to the Unity night nurses who were there for us in his final hours, I will be forever grateful.