Leslie L. Burns

Leslie Lynn Simpson Burns, age 73, passed away in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on December 15, 2025 - exactly six years to the day after the passing of her beloved husband, Tom. Leslie was born on August 11, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of the late Norman Simpson and Heather (Telfer) Simpson.

Leslie grew up in Northfield, Illinois, graduating from New Trier West High School, and remained closely connected with many friends from her childhood years, including those from her grade school days at Sunset Ridge School. She married Tom in Indiana in 1984, and they moved to Oshkosh shortly thereafter. Leslie was a devoted stay-at-home mother to her two children, as well as a nanny to Barbara, Eric, and Brian Tesch, until all the children were school-aged, and she returned to the workforce.

Leslie worked for many years as an administrative assistant for dentist "Doc" Sonnleitner and later served as administrator for the Oshkosh Youth Soccer Club (OYSC), where she became the face of the organization and touched the lives of thousands of children and families through more than 20 years of dedicated service. Leslie loved being involved in her community, including serving as PTO President, volunteering with the Oshkosh Youth Symphony Orchestra, coordinating Oshkosh's annual Fourth of July Parade, and supporting many other local initiatives.

An innate caregiver, Leslie was often described as having a "heart of gold." She cared deeply about the health and well-being of everyone she knew. The most meaningful work of her life was caring for her husband, family, and many friends facing serious health challenges, many of whom she supported lovingly until their very last breaths.

Leslie loved nature, sunshine, and "floating" in the lake. She cherished countless camping trips with family and friends in Elkhart Lake during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s and, in more recent years, traveled throughout Wisconsin in her motorhome - experiences that brought her immense joy and purpose. A devoted animal lover, Leslie shared her life with many beloved pets over the years, including dogs, cats, and even a raccoon named Porsche, who famously rode on her shoulder during car trips. Her favorites included Misty, Carly, Sasha, Spook, Milo, Ruby, Ivey, and Mabel.

Leslie is survived by her children, Sarah Arndt (Shane Arndt) and Michael Burns; her in-laws Chuck (Dotty) Burns, Cathy (Bruce) Sanborn, and Mari Burns; and her nieces and nephews Brian (Courtney), Chris, Pat (Kristen), and Kathleen Burns; Peter (Di), Megan, and Mallory Sanborn; Casey (Ross) Sanner; and Billy, Carly, and Matt (Julia) Mefferd. She was also a great-aunt to many cherished great-nieces and nephews.

Leslie was preceded in death by her beloved husband Thomas Burns, her brother Kenneth Simpson, her sister-in-law Teri Burns, and her cousin Patricia (Carley) Shufelt.

A memorial service for Leslie will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 20, at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home (West), located at 100 Lake Pointe Drive, Oshkosh, WI. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leslie Burns Memorial Fund through her children, Sarah and Mike.

Leslie's children are eternally grateful to the many friends who checked in on her, spent time camping with her, and shared countless meaningful moments over the past several years. Your love and presence gave us more time with our mom, a gift we will carry with us forever.