Fox Cities News

The University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh is mourning the death of John Burr, a long-standing member of its philosophy department. Burr dedicated 54 years to the university where he made a significant impact in both philosophy and education. His colleague, Department Chair Robert Wagoner, confirmed the details of his passing.

John R. Burr, aged 91, died on March 28, 2025, at Lakeshore Manor Assisted Living Facility in his hometown of Oshkosh. Born on July 3, 1933, to Lester and Dorothy Burr, John married Marjorie Bakirakis on July 4, 1963. Together, they raised three children.

Burr's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1955. He later obtained his Master's and Doctorate in Philosophy from Columbia University in 1956 and 1959, respectively. His career commenced in 1959 at Franklin and Marshall College as an adjunct professor, followed by a position as an assistant professor at Hood College in 1961. He ultimately settled in at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh in 1964.

His contributions to the field included chairing the philosophy department from 1966 to 1976 and again in 2000. He spent decades co-editing the journal "Philosophy and Contemporary Issues" and, in 1976, became the assistant dean of the College of Letters and Science. In 2015, he published "Philosophy in the Shadow of Tomorrow." Burr retired in 2018, leaving behind a legacy remembered by many.

John Burr is survived by his wife Marjorie, his children Michael, Christopher, and Kara, granddaughter Ava, and sister Charlotte. A memorial service will be held on April 11, 2025, at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home-Eastside in Oshkosh.