Renee Susan Burns, 75, of Wells, MN died unexpectedly Thursday, November 14, 2024 in Albert Lea of a heart attack. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Open Doors Methodist Church in Wells, MN. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the service at the church (Noon-2:00 PM). Pastor Chris Leistra will officiate the service and burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery in Wells.
Renee was born May 5, 1949 in Fargo, ND to Willis and Delores (Burnell) Felchle. She graduated from Notre Dame High School in Mitchell, SD and went on to earn a degree in Speech and Drama from South Dakota State University in Brookings.
Renee dedicated her life to education, beginning her teaching career at Blooming Prairie High School, where she taught Speech and English from 1971 until 2005. She was known for her passion and dedication to her students, earning recognition as Blooming Prairie’s Outstanding High School Young Educator and induction into the school’s Educator Hall of Fame in 2013. After leaving Blooming Prairie, Renee continued to inspire young minds as a 9th-grade English teacher at United South Central High School until her retirement. Teaching was more than a career for Renee—it was her calling. She cherished her students and maintained meaningful relationships with many of them long after their high school years.
On July 10, 1988, Renee married Steve Burns in Wells, MN. Together, they built a life filled with love, travel, and shared passions. Renee was a devoted wife who took pride in cooking homemade meals, keeping a warm and inviting home, and caring deeply for Steve. Renee’s greatest joy in life was being a grandmother. She adored her grandchildren and showered them with love in countless ways. Whether baking their favorite desserts, sewing personalized gifts, doing crafts, or attending their extracurricular activities, Renee was always there, cheering them on and offering her unwavering encouragement. She was truly born to be a grandmother, and her boundless love left a lasting imprint on her grandchildren. Renee also enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers, cooking, reading, and traveling. She and Steve loved exploring new places, whether in Minnesota or Florida, where they spent their winters. Renee was a dedicated member of Open Doors United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and participated in various activities. She also had a passion for attending plays, movies, ball games, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Renee’s vibrant personality, generous heart, and unwavering dedication to her students and loved ones will be deeply missed. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, passion, and joy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Renee is survived by her husband Steve of Wells; stepchildren: Gavin (Sara), Shannon (Jim), Derek (Kim); grandchildren: Skylar, Elizabeth, Colin, Julia, Luke and Elise; sister Deb, brother Bruce; nephew Jacob (Jamie); niece Kelcey; grandnephew Jace.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Such a sweet soul, always friendly and kind
Renee was a great teacher and mentor to so many students. She was also a friend to so many people. Loved reading her facebook posts, as she kept in contact with many atidents. Wonderful person. Who will be missed by many. May God give Steve and his family peace and comfort. Rest in peace
Our deepest sympathy to Renee’s entire family! May your memories bring you all strength & peace!
Renee’s smile spoke volumes and radiated her love for all. She will be deeply missed. Our sympathies to all her family and friends
Such A wonderful teacher, person and friend to many. She set an example for many students and kept in contact with so many. Rest in peace
Steve, Deb, Bruce and family: My sincere condolences on the loss of Renee. Her absence will be felt by many, but your memories live forever and hopefully bring you some comfort. A live well lived and loved by many is never forgotten. I’m her cousin, her dad Willis was my mom Elaine’s brother, and we have many memories of the Felchles growing up. Sincerely, Paula, Bob, and Pat Shannon.
There’s a lot wrong with Facebook, but on the positive it allowed me to reconnect with a favorite teacher who then became a friend. I’ll so miss the conversations we had about books, family and life. It was my pleasure to know her.
Our family trip to their home in Mitchell is my favorite memory, all the kids stayed home while the adults went and we had fun in the back yard. The CornPalace tour was a blast too, Renee was always so bright and happy with the Felchle grin and easy laugh.
We will see you in heaven Renee…
Condolences to the family! She always had a smile to share with those around her. She will be missed. Heaven gained a very special angel ❤️
Deepest sympathies to her family. Renee was like family to all of her students providing encouragement and support well beyond out high school experience. She will be dearly missed.
Steve and family,
Rarely are the shock waves felt as widespread as they were when this news hit. The tsunami of grief impacted schools and communities across south central Minnesota from United South Central in Wells to Blooming Prairie where so many graduates had the privilege of sitting in Ms. Felchle/Burns class and learning from such a gifted educator. She truly shaped who they have become……… teachers, doctors, lawyers, farmers, pastors, veterans, business leaders. The list is endlessly remarkable. The bell has rung, the hallways are eerily quiet, class is dismissed. Remember who she was, what she championed and the countless lessons learned. Good bye teacher and dear friend.
Fellow educators,
Lynne and Tom Hansen, Wells,MN
Renee Burns was a person who made an enormous impact on many lives, especially mine. As a student, she encouraged me, believed in me, and pushed me to be my best. She brought Shakespeare to life, and it gave me great joy to have the opportunity to continue to enjoy her (virtual) company on social media as an adult. She repeatedly asked me to quit calling her Mrs. Burns and call her Renee instead, so I will finally respect her wishes. Nary an Ides of March could pass without an exchange of jokes and memes between Renee and her students. I have a significant amount of recipes saved based on her recommendations. She was a relentless cheerleader for her former students, encouraging those of us who process by writing to keep telling our stories as we faced challenges during the bumps in our lives. Many teachers touch their students lives, but few continue to show their care and commitment for a lifetime like Renee did. May she rest in peace, and may those of us who miss her draw comfort as I’m sure she continues to cheer us on from the other side.
My sincere condolences to Steve and family. Renee was always one of my favorite people, always with a welcoming smile. She was a beautiful soul, she will be missed by all those who were blessed to have encountered her presence. Thoughts and prayers are with the family.
My sympathy to the families of this beautiful lady. She always had a smile on and a cheerful hello weather you were her good friend or just someone walking by. I always enjoyed talking with her. She will be missed and remembered by many🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Sorry for your loss. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Steve and Family, What a loss for all of you. Renee was a good person through and through. She had the most beautiful smile that made others feel special.